Ex Parte Hand

We granted certiorari in this case to address petitioner's assertion that his constitutional rights were violated by the trial court, and later by the Court of Criminal Appeals in its affirmance, because a key witness for the defense was prohibited from testifying on his behalf. We hold that his rights were violated, and, therefore, we reverse the judgment of the Court of Criminal Appeals, 472 So.2d 671.

Petitioner, Thomas J. Hand III, was convicted of theft of property in the first degree and sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment pursuant to the Habitual Felony Offender Act. The events leading…