Terrell A. Smith Missouri Cases

Terrell A. Smith appealed the denial of his Rule 29.15 motion, which alleged ineffective assistance of trial counsel for inadequate advice regarding his decision not to testify at his murder trial. The appellate court first determined that Smith's pro se motion, though filed late, was excusably untimely due to the postal service's failure to deliver notice of the appellate mandate. On the merits, the court affirmed the motion court's denial, concluding that trial counsel's advice not to testify was reasonable trial strategy, especially given Smith's prior convictions and inconsistent statements.