Paul R. Goodwater Missouri Cases

Paul Goodwater appealed the denial of his Rule 29.15 motion for post-conviction relief, alleging ineffective assistance of both trial and appellate counsel. Goodwater claimed counsel failed to object to or raise issues concerning retaliatory sentencing, the trial court's alleged automatic aggravation of charges, double jeopardy regarding the unit of prosecution, and the State's closing arguments. The appellate court affirmed the motion court's judgment, finding no clear error in its determination that counsel was not ineffective and Goodwater was not prejudiced by their actions or inactions.