In Re Ex Parte James

Joe Nathan James, Jr., petitioned this Court for a writ of certiorari to review the Court of Criminal Appeals’ decision affirming the circuit court’s denial of his Rule 32, Ala. R.Crim. P., petition. See James v. State, 61 So.3d 332 (Ala.Crim.App.2006). We granted the writ of certiorari. For the following reasons, we reverse the Court of Criminal Appeals’ judgment and remand the case.

Facts and Procedural History

In June 1999, James was convicted of murder made capital because it was committed during a burglary. The Court of Criminal Appeals incorporated into its opinion the following facts…