Hinson v. State

Chandler, Justice:

In this post-conviction matter Petitioner Robert S. Hinson (Hinson) contends that his trial attorney’s erroneous advice concerning parole eligibility rendered his guilty plea invalid. We agree and reverse the denial of post-conviction relief.

On July 9, 1979, Hinson was indicted for murder for his part in a robbery attempt which resulted in the death of one Teagus Griffis. The following day he pled guilty to the crime of “common-law murder” and was sentenced to life in prison.

Prior to the plea, Hinson was advised by his attorney that a ten year parole eligibility applied to…