Wenzy v. State

OPINION

CANNON, Justice.

This is an appeal of a conviction for aggravated robbery. Although this was Appellant Wenzy’s first felony, the jury gave him life imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. Wenzy complains of ineffective assistance of counsel. We reverse.

On an afternoon in June 1991, two men robbed a gas station at gunpoint. Police arrested Clarence Wenzy and his brother Maurice. The men retained Michael Cato as defense counsel. Maurice was tried first, from February 4 through 7, 1992. A jury convicted Maurice, sentenced him to seventy-five years, and imposed a $10,000 fine.

On February 12, five…