STATE EX REL ALLEN v. CARROLL CIRCUIT COURT (2024)

Published Order

The relator, Richard Allen, seeks relief from this Court under the Rules of Procedure for Original Actions. Relator has requested a permanent writ of mandamus asking this Court to: (1) order the trial court to reinstate his former trial counsel, attorneys Andrew Baldwin and Brad Rozzi, as his court-appointed counsel; (2) order the trial court to commence Relator's trial within 70 days from the issuance of the writ; and (3) remove the special judge from Relator's case and appoint a new special judge.

Having considered the written submissions and having heard the arguments of counsel, a majority of the Court votes to GRANT the petition for writ as to Relator's request to reinstate attorneys Baldwin and Rozzi as his court-appointed counsel. The Court unanimously DENIES all other relief sought. The Court will promptly issue a written opinion explaining its reasons. The pendency of this matter in this Court does not stay the proceedings in the trial court.