Pierce v. State

WALLER, Justice:

George M. Pierce, II (respondent) entered a plea of nolo contendere to a charge of using his official position or office for financial gain, and was fined $700. Respondent did not appeal his conviction or sentence. A circuit judge granted post-conviction relief (PCR) to respondent after an evidentiary hearing. We granted petitioner’s (the State’s) petition for a writ of certiorari, and now reverse. 1

FACTS

Respondent, then a highway patrol trooper, stopped a motorist on October 25, 1991, for driving under the influence, third offense. He agreed to charge the motorist with DUI,…