Antonio Lamont Smith, Appellant v. State of Arkansas, Appellee

Summary

The Supreme Court of Arkansas affirmed the denial of Antonio Lamont Smith’s Rule 37.1 petition. It held that Smith failed to show either deficient performance or prejudice because counsel’s drug-related and diminished-capacity defense was a reasonable strategic choice supported by the evidence, and Smith’s conclusory allegations did not establish entitlement to relief. The court also declined to consider claims raised for the first time on appeal and found no abuse of discretion in denying appointed counsel.