City of Billings v. Smith

James Smith appeals from the June 14, 1995 Judgment of the Thirteenth Judicial District Court, Yellowstone County, convicting him and sentencing him to sixty days in jail and payment of fines and costs for driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving with no proof of vehicle insurance, and failure to carry vehicle registration. We reverse and remand.

We consider the following issue on appeal:

Did the District Court err in failing to adequately inquire into Smith’s complaints of ineffective assistance of counsel?

Factual and Procedural Background

On November 2, 1993, a Billings Police…