Williams v. State

ON WRIT OF CERTIORARI

Chandler, Justice:

We granted certiorari to review the denial of post-conviction relief to Petitioner, Moses Williams, Jr. (Williams).

We reverse.

FACTS

On February 24, 1989, Williams, involved in an argument with his girlfriend, stabbed her with a barbecue fork. He was indicted for assault and battery with intent to kill (ABIK), and for “visibly displaying what appeared to be a knife” during commission of the ABIK.

Williams, pro se, pled guilty to both charges and was sentenced, respectively, to fifteen years and five years, consecutive.

ISSUE

Did the trial court have subject…