BOBBY LEE JAMES, Movant-Appellant v. STATE OF MISSOURI, Respondent-Respondent.

GARY W. LYNCH, J.— Opinion

Bobby Lee James (“Movant”) appeals the motion court’s order dismissing his Rule 24.035 motion for post-conviction relief. 1 Finding that the motion court failed to conduct an independent inquiry into whether Movant was abandoned by appointed counsel, we . reverse and remand with directions to conduct such an inquiry and then proceed accordingly.

Factual and Procedural Background

Movant pleaded guilty to the class A felony of child molestation in the first degree, see section 566.067, on May 16, 2014. 2 He was sentenced as a predatory sexual offender, in accordance with…