Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / Oct 29, 2024
IN RE ROBERT J. BRANSON, Petitioner v. MICHELE BUCKNER, WARDEN, SOUTH CENTRAL CORRECTIONAL CENTER, Respondent
Robert J. Branson pleaded guilty to first-degree child molestation and was sentenced to life imprisonment, though the State only alleged facts supporting a class B felony, which carried a maximum of 15 years. Branson sought a writ of habeas corpus, arguing his sentence exceeded the statutory maximum. The appellate court granted the writ, vacating Branson's convictions and sentences, and remanded the case for further proceedings, holding that the illegal sentence constituted a sentencing defect and a material mistake in the plea agreement.