Melvin Shoemate v. Larry Norris, Director, Arkansas Department of Correction

LAY, Circuit Judge.

An entry of judgment convicting Melvin Shoemate of rape was filed in Arkansas state court on May 8, 1997. After the entry of judgment, Shoemate had thirty days in which to file a notice of direct appeal under Arkansas law. Ark. R.App. P.Crim. 2(a). Shoemate’s wife filed a notice of appeal on his behalf within thirty days of the judgment. However, the Arkansas Supreme Court returned the notice of appeal on July 8, 1997, because it was not filed by Shoemate or a licensed attorney. Thereafter, Shoemate could file a motion for belated appeal within eighteen months of the entry…