Supreme Court of Arkansas

Montgomery v. State

March 20, 20142014 Ark. 122

Summary

The court reversed the denial of Montgomery’s postconviction petition and remanded for a new trial because trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to a social worker’s testimony expressing opinions that the child victim’s allegations were believable and not coerced. The court found both deficient performance and prejudice because the prosecution’s case turned on the child’s credibility. The court did not reach Montgomery’s other ineffective-assistance claims.