State v. Lankford, 07 Be 3 (6-12-2007)

OPINION

{¶ 1} This matter comes for consideration upon the record in the trial court and the parties' briefs. Appellant, Derek Lankford, appeals the decision of the Belmont County Court of Common Pleas denying his post-sentence motion to withdraw his guilty plea. Because this claim could have been raised in one of his earlier appeals, it is barred by the doctrine of res judicata.

{¶ 2} On February 26, 1992, Lankford pled guilty to aggravated murder and the accompanying capital specification of R.C. 2929.04(A)(3). At the plea hearing in front of a three judge panel, the court engaged appellant…