Hays v. Weber

GILBERTSON, Chief Justice.

[¶ 1.] Carl Hays (Hays) appeals the denial of habeas corpus relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel. The habeas court held that counsel’s performance was not so deficient as to constitute ineffective assistance of counsel. We affirm.

FACTS AND PROCEDURE

[¶2.] On May 27, 1996, CJ’s Corner Bar, owned by Hays and his father, was destroyed by fire.1 Because there were indications that the fire was not accidental, law enforcement and fire investigators were called in. Eventually, Hays and his employee, Joseph Barr, were arrested for starting the fire. At trial,…