Lawhorn v. State

Summary

The Supreme Court of Delaware affirmed the denial of Lawhorn’s first motion for postconviction relief and his request for appointed postconviction counsel. It held that Lawhorn failed to establish cause and prejudice supporting his ineffective-assistance claims, and that the plea and sentencing records refuted his assertions that his guilty plea was unknowing or involuntary. The court also found no abuse of discretion in denying counsel under the applicable postconviction appointment standard.