State of Iowa v. Johnnathan Monroe Frencher

McDonald, j.

Defendant Johnnathan Frencher claims his plea counsel provided constitutionally ineffective representation by failing to object to the prosecutor’s alleged breach of the parties’ plea agreement. We review claims of ineffective assistance of counsel de novo. See State v. Straw, 709 N.W.2d 128, 133 (Iowa 2006). Ordinarily, ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claims are preserved for postconviction relief actions. See State v. Mulder, 313 N.W.2d 885, 890 (Iowa 1981). Where, as here, the record is sufficient to evaluate the merits- of the claim, the matter may be resolved on direct…