Mickey David Thomas, Appellant v. State of Arkansas, Appellee

Summary

The Supreme Court of Arkansas held that the circuit court had jurisdiction to consider Thomas's belated post-conviction petition because his counsel timely filed an initial petition, the court granted extensions, and the delays were not attributable to Thomas. On the merits, the court rejected both ineffective-assistance claims, concluding that Thomas failed to show prejudice and that counsel's decisions concerning venue and Lieutenant Mathis were reasonable trial strategy. The court therefore affirmed the denial of post-conviction relief.