Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District / Dec 10, 2024
Marlo R. James, Appellant, vs. State of Missouri, Respondent.
Marlo R. James appealed the denial of his Rule 24.035 motion for post-conviction relief, alleging ineffective assistance of plea counsel. James claimed counsel misinformed him that he would receive a drug treatment program if he pleaded guilty, leading him to forgo a trial. The appellate court affirmed the motion court's decision, finding that plea counsel credibly testified he made no such promise and that James understood the plea court had the final sentencing authority.