Cleveland v. State

I write separately because my analysis of this case differs somewhat from the analysis presented in the lead opinion.

The underlying legal issue in this case is how to interpret the wording of AS 12.72.020(2)(8), a statute of limitations that imposes deadlines for filing a petition for post-conviction relief.

With respect to petitions for post-conviction relief that relate to a defendant's underlying criminal conviction, the pertinent portion of AS 12.72.020(a)(8)(A) declares that "if the conviction was appealed, [the petition for post-conviction relief can be filed no later than] one year…