Jimmie Dewain Kennedy v. Ross Maggio, Jr., Warden, Louisiana State Penitentiary

RANDALL, Circuit Judge:

Petitioner Jimmie Kennedy appeals from the district court’s denial of his habeas corpus petition. Kennedy was indicted in Louisiana state court for attempted murder and aggravated rape. As a result of plea negotiations, the attempted murder charge was dropped and he pleaded guilty to aggravated rape. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. He now contends that he was not afforded effective assistance of counsel, thus rendering his guilty plea involuntary. For the reasons set forth below, we reverse the decision of the district court and order that the writ be granted.

I.…