Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District / Mar 28, 2023
Brian C. Lee, Appellant, vs. State of Missouri, Respondent.
Brian C. Lee appealed the denial of his Rule 24.035 motion for post-conviction relief, alleging ineffective assistance of counsel. Lee claimed his plea counsel failed to investigate and discuss a defense regarding firearm possession, rendering his guilty plea involuntary. The motion court denied relief without an evidentiary hearing, finding the record refuted his claims. The appellate court affirmed, holding that the plea record conclusively showed Lee was satisfied with counsel and understood his plea, and the alleged defense was not so complex as to be beyond a layperson's knowledge.