Jerry Lynn Easter v. Roger Endell, Director, Arkansas Department of Correction

WOLLMAN, Circuit Judge.

This is á habeas corpus case. The state of Arkansas argues that petitioner, Jerry Easter, is procedurally barred from having the merits of his petition considered in federal court. The district court agreed. We reverse and remand.

I

In December of 1989, Easter pled guilty in an Arkansas circuit court to burglary, illegal possession of a firearm, and being a habitual offender. Arkansas does not allow persons who plead guilty to appeal their convictions. ARK.R.CRIM.P. 36.1. In addition, at the time of Easter’s conviction Arkansas had no post-conviction remedy (other than a…