Cridler-Smith v. Clarke

PRESENT: All the Justices JOHN CRIDLER-SMITH OPINION BY v. Record No. 230450 JUSTICE WESLEY G. RUSSELL, JR. JANUARY 16, 2025 HAROLD CLARKE, DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Stephen E. Sincavage, Judge John Cridler-Smith appeals a judgment of the circuit court denying his petition for a writ of habeas corpus. In his petition, Cridler-Smith asserts two claims for ineffective assistance of counsel. Specifically, he challenges his pre-trial counsel’s advice to cooperate with law enforcement absent adequate investigation into the matter and his…