Watts v. State

Barnes, Judge.

James Lewis Watts appeals his convictions of two counts of felony obstruction of an officer. He contends the trial court erred by failing to charge the jury on his sole defense and by denying his motion for new trial because his trial defense counsel was ineffective. For the reasons that follow, we reverse.

1. Although the State was ordered to file an appellee’s brief and recently was requested to file the brief, it has not done so. As a consequence, this court has been deprived of the State’s assistance in deciding the case.

2. Following an altercation in the Lamar County jail,…