United States Fourth Circuit

Grant of habeas corpus relief for defendant is affirmed pursuant to defendant's claim of ineffective assistance of counsel where his attorney failed to consult with him regarding a direct appeal following his sentencing on state trafficking charges, resulting in the loss of his right to appeal.

Appellate Information

• Argued 12/02/2004
• Decided 12/08/2005
• Published 12/08/2005

Judges

• Before LUTTIG, MOTZ, and DUNCAN, Circuit Judges.

Court

• United States Fourth Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellees:
  
• ARGUED:  William Edgar Salter, III, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, for Appellants.  David Bruce Betts, Columbia, South Carolina, for Appellee.   ON BRIEF:  Henry Dargan McMaster, Attorney General, John W. McIntosh, Chief Deputy Attorney General, Donald J. Zelenka, Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Columbia, South Carolina, for Appellants.