Laurito v. State

Thomas Laurito appeals the denial of his motion for postconviction relief after an evidentiary hearing. We find that the trial court should have granted relief with respect to the claim that Laurito’s trial counsel was ineffective for not seeking to suppress Laurito’s statements to law enforcement on grounds that the interviewing officer failed to honor Laurito’s unequivocal request for a lawyer. Had counsel raised this issue, Laurito’s confession — which served as the primary evidence against him at trial — should have been suppressed. No other issue merits discussion.

Laurito was charged and…