Tompkins v. Hall

Melton, Justice.

Following the grant of a petition for habeas corpus relief brought by Robert Nathaniel Hall, Billy Tompkins, Warden, appeals, contending that the trial court erred in its finding that cause and prejudice had been shown to raise the procedural bar on defaulted claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. For the reasons set forth below, we reverse.

Hall, along with co-defendants Joseph Scurry, Kevin Taylor, Demetra Stallings, and Norval Patten, was tried and convicted on November 8, 2002 for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and trafficking in cocaine. Hall, who…