Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / Feb 6, 2023
JAMES D. MORELAND, Movant-Appellant v. STATE OF MISSOURI, Respondent-Respondent
James D. Moreland appealed the denial of his Rule 24.035 motion for post-conviction relief, arguing his guilty plea was involuntary due to ineffective assistance of counsel. Moreland claimed his attorney inaccurately advised him he would receive probation and mental health court if he entered an open plea. The motion court found that both plea counsel and trial counsel testified they never guaranteed a specific sentence, and Moreland's plea colloquy confirmed no promises were made. The appellate court affirmed the motion court's judgment, concluding it did not clearly err in finding Moreland's plea was knowing and voluntary.