David Ballard v. Brian Bush Ferguson

DAVIS, Justice:

This is an appeal of David Ballard, Warden of Mount Olive Correctional Complex (“the State”), from an order of the Circuit Court of Monongalia County that granted habeas corpus relief to Brian Bush Ferguson (“Mr. Ferguson”). The State contends that (1) the circuit court erred in finding that Mr. Ferguson was denied effective assistance of trial *198counsel and (2) the circuit court erred in limiting the testimony of one of its expert witnesses during the habeas corpus proceeding.1 Finding no error in the circuit court’s rulings, we affirm.

I

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

On February…