Branch v. State

LAKE,

J. Upon the pronouncement of sentence upon him at the conclusion of his trial on the charge of murder, the petitioner, through counsel then representing him, gave notice in open court of appeal to this Court. On the following day he withdrew this notice of appeal in writing signed by him. At the post conviction hearing, he testified that no officer coerced him into signing this or any other paper or asked him to withdraw his appeal, but he and his family decided to withdraw it upon advice of his trial counsel. He also testified at the post conviction hearing that, at the time of his…