CHAD R. EMMERSON, Movant- Missouri Cases

Chad R. Emmerson appealed the denial of his Rule 24.035 motion for post-conviction relief, arguing his trial counsel was ineffective for advising him to enter an Alford plea without fully informing him of the sentencing judge's practices and the 85% rule. Emmerson claimed this rendered his plea unknowing, involuntary, and unintelligent. The appellate court affirmed the motion court's denial, holding that Emmerson failed to demonstrate prejudice because he did not show that he would have proceeded to trial but for counsel's alleged errors, only that he would have entered a different type of guilty plea.