Dorsey v. State

JAMES M. SMART, JR., Judge.

John Dorsey appeals the motion court’s denial of his Rule 29.15 motion for post-conviction relief following an evidentiary hearing. Because we find that Dorsey’s retained trial counsel rendered constitutionally ineffective assistance, the judgment is reversed.

Factual and Procedural Background

Appellant John Dorsey was originally charged with ten crimes: kidnapping, sexual abuse, attempted forcible rape, forcible sodomy, first degree robbery, and five corresponding counts of armed criminal action. He entered a “not guilty” plea as to all counts. He was tried before a…