U.S. Sup. Ct.
12-414
Respondent Titlow and Billie Rogers were arrested for the murder of Billie’s husband. After explaining to respondent that the State’s evidence could support a conviction for first-degree murder, respondent’s attorney negotiated a manslaughter plea in exchange for an agreement to testify against Billie. Three days before Billie’s trial, respondent retained a new attorney, Frederick Toca, who demanded an even lower sentence in exchange for the guilty plea and testimony. The prosecutor rejected the proposal, and respondent withdrew the original plea. Without that testimony, Billie was acquitted. Respondent was subsequently convicted of second-degree murder. On direct appeal, respondent argued that Toca provided ineffective assistance by advising withdrawal of the plea without taking time to learn the strength of the State’s evidence. The Michigan Court of Appeals rejected the claim, concluding that Toca’s actions were reasonable in light of his client’s protestations of innocence. On federal habeas review, the District Court applied the deferential standard of review set forth in the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA), concluded that the Michigan Court of Appeals’ ruling was reasonable on the law and facts, and denied relief. The Sixth Circuit reversed. It found the factual predicate for the state court’s decision—that the plea withdrawal was based on respondent’s assertion of innocence—an unreasonable interpretation of the factual record, given Toca’s explanation at the withdrawal hearing that the decision to withdraw was made because the State’s original plea offer was higher than the sentencing range provided by the Michigan guidelines. It also found no evidence in the record that Toca adequately advised respondent of the consequences of withdrawal.
