Gregory Jean-Paul v. Timothy Douma

SYKES, Circuit Judge.

Gregory Jean-Paul, a Wisconsin prisoner, filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 arguing that he did not knowingly and intelligently waive his right to counsel on his direct criminal appeal in state court. The district court denied relief. We affirm the judgment because the state appellate court reasonably concluded that his waiver was knowing and intelligent.

I. Background

Jean-Paul was convicted in 2007 of state drug crimes and sentenced to 13 years’ confinement and 12 years’ extended supervision.' He appealed, but vacillated on whether he…