Douglas v. State

Justice PLEICONES:

Petitioner’s counsel, exercising professional judgment, determined that there was no basis upon which to seek a writ of certiorari to review the Court of Appeals’ decision affirming petitioner’s direct appeal. Petitioner then brought this post-conviction relief (PCR) action. Following an evidentiary hearing, the PCR judge held petitioner was entitled to seek belated discretionary review of his direct appeal. We granted certiorari, and now reverse.

ISSUE

Whether the circuit court erred in granting relief where petitioner’s direct appeal attorney did not pursue discretionary…