Ex Parte Jones

We granted this petition for the writ of certiorari to address one issue: Whether John Edward Jones timely filed his notice of appeal from the trial court's denial of his Rule 32, Ala. R. Crim. P., petition. Because we hold that Jones did timely file his notice of appeal, we reverse and remand.

I

Jones pleaded guilty to trafficking in cocaine. The trial court sentenced him to 15 years in prison. On February 21, 1996, Jones filed a Rule 32 petition with the trial court. After reviewing the arguments of the parties, the trial court denied the petition, by a written order, on February 5, 1997. On…