Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District / Nov 15, 2022
Michael Lamar Robinson, Appellant, vs. State of Missouri, Respondent.
Michael Lamar Robinson appealed the denial of his Rule 24.035 motion for post-conviction relief, which alleged ineffective assistance of plea counsel. Robinson had previously pleaded guilty to drug offenses but failed to appear for sentencing, absconding for nearly three years before his capture and sentencing. The appellate court dismissed the appeal without reaching its merits, applying the judicially-created escape rule because Robinson's willful absence adversely affected the criminal justice system.