Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District / Nov 14, 2023
Rashod L. James vs. State of Missouri
Rashod James pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action, then sought post-conviction relief, alleging his attorney coerced him by threatening the death penalty if he went to trial. The circuit court denied relief, finding James' testimony not credible and his motions timely. The appellate court affirmed, holding that the circuit court did not clearly err in finding the pro se and amended motions timely, nor in rejecting the coercion claim, as counsel's advice on potential sentences does not constitute legal coercion.