Fierstos v. State

Thomas W. Fierstos appeals the denial of his motion made pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850. In his motion he *1118raises a wide variety of irregularities in his trial, most relating to the effectiveness of trial counsel. Only two merit discussion here.

Appellant claims trial counsel coerced him into not testifying. This he claims was accomplished by threat (that the attorney in question stated that he would pick up his papers and leave if appellant testified) and by ruse (that he was “railroaded” out of the courtroom before being given an opportunity to testify). The record…