Brown v. Ricketts

The sole issue in this habeas corpus appeal is whether petitioner was denied a direct appeal from his criminal conviction due to ineffective assistance of counsel.

The record shows that appellant, represented by appointed counsel, was tried by a jury in Chatham Superior Court and was convicted of robbery by intimidation on September 18, 1973. At his request, his attorney filed a motion for new trial on October 15,1973.

On November 27, 1973, while the motion for new trial was pending, appellant escaped from the county jail and remained on escape until January 5,1974. A hearing was held on the…