Inuwa v. Miller

Filing 36

OPINION AND ORDER by Judge James H Payne ; denying certificate of appealability; denying 14 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (2241/2254); finding as moot 1 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (2241/2254) (pll, Dpty Clk)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OKLAHOMA
AMINU ZEGARIAH TIJUANI INUWA,
Petitioner,
vs.
JUSTIN JONES, Director,
Respondent.

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Case No. 10-CV-430-JHP-PJC

OPINION AND ORDER
This is a 28 U.S.C. § 2254 habeas corpus action. Petitioner is a state inmate and appears pro
se. Before the Court is Petitioner’s amended petition (Dkt. # 14). Respondent filed a response (Dkt.
# 21), and provided copies of state court documents1 (Dkt. ## 21, 22, 23) for the Court’s use in
evaluating Petitioner’s claims. Petitioner filed a reply (Dkt. # 25). For the reasons discussed below,
the amended petition shall be denied.
As a preliminary matter, because the amended petition (Dkt. # 14) replaces and supersedes
the original petition (Dkt. # 1), the original petition shall be declared moot.
BACKGROUND
On September 10, 2007, Petitioner entered pleas of no contest (nolo contendere) in Tulsa
County District Court, Case No. CF-2006-4627. See Dkt. # 23-1 at 12-14. On that same day, based
on the pleas, the trial judge found Petitioner guilty of Robbery with Firearm, After Two or More
Felonies (Count I), and Possession of Firearm, After Former Conviction of Felony (Count II). Id.
at 14. The trial judge sentenced him to twenty-three (23) years imprisonment and a $500 fine on

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The Court notes that page 18 of the plea hearing transcript, dated September 10, 2007, is
missing from both the hard copy provided by Respondent (Dkt. # 22), and the electronic version
(Dkt. # 23-1). However, the Court has determined that review of the missing page of the hearing
transcript is not essential for resolution of the issues before the Court in this proceeding.

Count I, and fifteen (15) years imprisonment and a $500 fine on Count II. Id. at 16. The judge
ordered the sentences to be served concurrently. During the plea and sentencing proceedings,
Petitioner was represented by attorney Brian Martin.
On September 12, 2007, Petitioner filed a pro se notice to rescind plea. See Dkt. # 23-13,
O.R. at 445. On the same day, attorney Martin filed a motion to withdraw plea on behalf of
Petitioner. Id. at 446-47. On September 13, 2007, the trial judge held a hearing on Petitioner’s
motion to withdraw plea. See Dkt. # 23-2, Hr’g Trans. dated Sept. 13, 2007. At that hearing,
Petitioner continued to be represented by attorney Brian Martin. Id. At the conclusion of the
hearing, the district judge denied the motion to withdraw plea. Id. at 33.
Represented by attorney Mark Hoover, Petitioner filed a petition for writ of certiorari at the
Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals (OCCA). See Dkt. # 21-3, Ex. 3. He raised the following three
(3) propositions of error:
Proposition I:

Because defense counsel notified the court of a conflict of interests,
the trial court erred by not appointing new counsel to represent
Petitioner at the hearing on his request to withdraw his pleas.

Proposition II:

Because the trial court granted Petitioner’s request to withdraw his
pleas in open court, the trial court deprived Petitioner of his due
process rights when it rescinded its decision.

Proposition III:

Petitioner was deprived of his right to the effective assistance of
counsel at the hearing on the motion to withdraw the pleas.

(Dkt. # 21-3, Ex. 3). In an unpublished summary opinion, filed May 15, 2008, in Case No. C-2007968, the OCCA granted the writ, finding that Petitioner was denied the effective assistance of
counsel due to an attorney-created conflict of interest. See Dkt. # 21-5, Ex. 5. The OCCA remanded
the case to the district court “for a proper hearing on the Application to Withdraw Guilty Pleas.” Id.
at 2.
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On June 30- July 2, 2008, the trial judge held a second hearing on Petitioner’s application
to withdraw pleas. See Dkt. # 23-3, Hr’g Trans. dated July 2, 2008. Petitioner was represented at the
second hearing by attorney Donald Palik. After hearing testimony from Petitioner and attorney
Brian Martin, the trial court denied Petitioner’s motion to withdraw plea. Id. at 85.
Represented by attorney Thomas Purcell, Petitioner again filed a certiorari appeal at the
OCCA. See Dkt. # 21-6, Ex. 6. He raised the following five (5) propositions of error:
Proposition I:

Mr. Inuwa’s pleas were not voluntarily entered because Mr. Inuwa
was coerced into pleading due to his attorney not being prepared to
go to trial.

Proposition II:

Because the trial court initially granted Petitioner’s request to
withdraw his pleas in open court, the trial court deprived Petitioner
of his due process rights when it later rescinded its decision.

Proposition III:

Mr. Inuwa’s convictions for possession of a firearm, after former
conviction of a felony, and also for robbery with a firearm,
constituted double jeopardy and double punishment; therefore, one
of the convictions must be vacated.

Proposition IV:

Mr. Inuwa must be allowed to withdraw his pleas of no contest
because no factual basis was established to support the pleas.

Proposition V:

Petitioner was deprived of his right to the effective assistance of
counsel where his attorney filed a motion to withdraw no contest
pleas which did not comply with the rules of this court.

(Dkt. # 21-6, Ex. 6). In an unpublished summary opinion, filed May 13, 2009, in Case No. C-2008648, the OCCA denied the writ (Dkt. # 21-7, Ex. 7). The judgment and sentence of the district court
was affirmed. Id. at 3.
Petitioner next filed a pro se application for post-conviction relief, raising multiple
ineffective assistance of counsel claims (Dkt. # 21-8, -9, -10, Exs. 8a, 8b, 8c). By order filed July
14, 2010, the district court denied relief (Dkt. # 21-13, Ex. 11). Petitioner attempted to appeal the

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denial of relief. His petition in error was filed of record on August 19, 2010 (Dkt. # 21-14, Ex. 12).
However, on September 17, 2010, the OCCA filed its order, in Case No. PC-2010-783, declining
jurisdiction and dismissing the appeal based on Petitioner’s failure to file a timely petition in error
as required by Rule 5.2(C)(2) and (5), Rules of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. See Dkt.
# 21-19, Ex. 15.
Petitioner now seeks federal habeas corpus relief. In his amended petition (Dkt. # 14), filed
on October 21, 2010, Petitioner raises twenty-seven (27) grounds for relief. Grounds 1-8 are set out
in full in the amended petition, as follows:
Ground 1:

Because defense counsel notified court of a conflict of interest the trial court
erred by not appointing new counsel to represent Petitioner at the hearing on
his request to withdraw. See Exhibit P.

Ground 2:

Because the trial court granted Petitioner’s request to withdraw his pleas in
open court, the trial court deprived the Petitioner of his Due Process rights
when it rescinded its decision. See Exhibit P.

Ground 3:

Petitioner was deprived of his right to effective assistance of counsel at
hearing on the motion to withdraw pleas. See Exhibit P.

Ground 4:

Mr. Inuwa’s pleas were not voluntarily entered because Mr. Inuwa was
coerced into pleading due to his attorney not being prepared to go to trial.
See Exhibit Q.

Ground 5:

Because the trial court initially granted Petitioner’s request to withdraw pleas
in open court, the trial court deprived the Petitioner of his Due Process rights
when it later rescinded its decision. See Exhibit Q, S.

Ground 6:

Mr. Inuwa’s convictions for possession of firearm and robbery with firearm,
both after former convictions of two or more felonies constitutes double
punishment and double jeopardy therefore one of the convictions should be
vacated. See Exhibit Q, R, S.

Ground 7:

Mr. Inuwa must be allowed to withdraw his pleas of no contest because no
factual basis was established to support his pleas. Exhibit Q, S.

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Ground 8:

Petitioner was deprived of his right to the effective assistance of counsel
where his attorney filed a motion to withdraw no contest pleas which did not
comply with the rules of the court. Exhibit Q, S.

Grounds 9-27 are described only by reference to the propositions raised in Petitioner’s post
conviction application, similar to the description for Ground 9, as follows:
Ground 9:

See Exhibit S - Attachment # 2 Pg. 1, post conviction application
propositions Prop (1A) or Application for post conviction relief proposition
(1A) in (Exhibit B) 2 pgs.

See Dkt. # 14. In response to the petition, Respondent argues that grounds 1, 2, 3, and 5 relate to
Petitioner’s first hearing on his application to withdraw pleas and were rendered moot by the
OCCA’s order remanding to the district court for a second hearing. As to the remaining claims,
Respondent contends that Petitioner is not entitled to relief on grounds 4, 6, 7, and 8 under 28 U.S.C.
§ 2254(d), and grounds 9-27 are procedurally barred. See Dkt. # 21.
ANALYSIS
A.

Exhaustion/Evidentiary Hearing
As a preliminary matter, the Court must determine whether Petitioner meets the exhaustion

requirements of 28 U.S.C. § 2254(b), (c). See Rose v. Lundy, 455 U.S. 509, 510 (1982). Petitioner
fairly presented the substance of his claims to the OCCA on certiorari and post-conviction appeal.
Therefore, the exhaustion requirement of 28 U.S.C. § 2254(b) has been satisfied.
In addition, the Court finds that Petitioner is not entitled to an evidentiary hearing. See
Williams v. Taylor, 529 U.S. 420 (2000).
B.

Claims related to first hearing are moot (grounds 1, 2, 3, 5)
Petitioner’s claims set forth in grounds 1, 2, 3, and 5, all relate to issues in the first hearing

on Petitioner’s application to withdraw pleas. However, as discussed above, the OCCA granted

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Petitioner’s certiorari appeal after finding merit to his claims raised regarding his first hearing, and
remanded the case to the district court for a new hearing on his application to withdraw pleas.
“Article III of the United States Constitution only extends federal judicial power to cases or
controversies.” United States v. Meyers, 200 F.3d 715, 718 (10th Cir. 2000). “A habeas corpus
petition is moot when it no longer presents a case or controversy under Article III, § 2, of the
Constitution.” Aragon v. Shanks, 144 F.3d 690, 691 (10th Cir. 1998). To satisfy the case or
controversy requirement, the petitioner “must have suffered or be threatened with an actual injury
traceable to the respondents and likely to be redressed by a favorable judicial decision.” Spencer
v. Kemna, 523 U.S. 1, 7 (1998) (quoting Lewis v. Continental Bank Corp., 494 U.S. 472, 477
(1990)). A petitioner must “continue to have a personal stake in the outcome” of his case in order
to satisfy the case or controversy requirement of Article III. Spencer, 523 U.S. at 7.
In this case, the relevant inquiry as to any ground related to Petitioner’s first hearing on his
application to withdraw pleas is whether the ground still presents a case or controversy under Article
III which could be redressed by a favorable decision. Id. The answer in Petitioner’s case is “no.”
Clearly, grounds 1, 2, 3, and 5 in this habeas action are moot since the OCCA granted Petitioner’s
requested relief the first time the issues were raised. Although the OCCA did not specifically
address grounds 2 and 5 in its order granting relief on Petitioner’s first certiorari appeal, they are
nonetheless moot as Petitioner received a new hearing on his application to withdraw pleas. See
Dkt. # 21-7, Ex. 7 at 3 (OCCA’s summary opinion denying certiorari and finding that the OCCA’s
first ruling granting certiorari enabled the parties to litigate the application to withdraw pleas anew
and that “[a]ny error in the first hearing is now moot”). In summary, the Court finds grounds 1, 2,
3, and 5 are moot and shall be denied on that basis.

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C.

Claims adjudicated by the OCCA
The Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA) provides the standard to be

applied by federal courts reviewing constitutional claims brought by prisoners challenging state
convictions. Under the AEDPA, when a state court has adjudicated a claim, a petitioner may obtain
federal habeas relief only if the state decision “was contrary to, or involved an unreasonable
application of, clearly established Federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court of the United
States” or “was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence
presented in the State court proceeding.” See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d); Williams v. Taylor, 529 U.S.
362, 402 (2000); Neill v. Gibson, 278 F.3d 1044, 1050-51 (10th Cir. 2001). When a state court
applies the correct federal law to deny relief, a federal habeas court may consider only whether the
state court applied the federal law in an objectively reasonable manner. See Bell v. Cone, 535 U.S.
685, 699 (2002); Hooper v. Mullin, 314 F.3d 1162, 1169 (10th Cir. 2002). Furthermore, the
“determination of a factual issue made by a State court shall be presumed to be correct. The
applicant shall have the burden of rebutting the presumption of correctness by clear and convincing
evidence.” 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(1).
To the extent Petitioner’s remaining claims are not procedurally barred, they shall be
reviewed pursuant to § 2254(d).

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1. Voluntariness of nolo contendere pleas (ground 4)
In his fourth ground for relief, Petitioner contends that his pleas were not voluntarily entered
because he was coerced into pleading due to his attorney not being prepared to go to trial. The
OCCA denied the claim relating to the voluntariness of his plea in its summary opinion denying a
writ of certiorari, stating that, “[t]the record supports the district court’s finding that Inuwa’s pleas
were knowing and voluntary rather than coerced. The district court did not abuse its discretion in
denying Inuwa’s motion to withdraw plea.” See Dkt. # 21-7, Ex. 7 at 2.
In Boykin v. Alabama, 395 U.S. 238 (1969), the Supreme Court held that a guilty plea2 must
be entered into “knowingly and voluntarily.” A plea is not voluntary unless the defendant knows
the direct consequences of his decision, including the maximum penalty to which he will be
exposed. Worthen v. Meachum, 842 F.2d 1179, 1182 (10th Cir. 1988) (stating that critical inquiry
is whether defendant knows of maximum possible sentence), overruled on other grounds by
Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722 (1991). Furthermore, it is not necessary that the record reflect
a detailed enumeration and waiver of rights as a result of the guilty plea; rather the issue is simply
whether the record affirmatively shows that the guilty plea was intelligent and voluntary. Stinson
v. Turner, 473 F.2d 913 (10th Cir. 1973). Although a petitioner’s statements made at the guilty plea
hearing “are subject to challenge under appropriate circumstances,” they constitute “a formidable
barrier in any subsequent collateral proceeding.” United States v. Maranzino, 860 F.2d 981, 985
(10th Cir. 1988) (quoting Blackledge v. Allison, 431 U.S. 63, 74 (1977)); see also Romero v. Tansy,

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The Tenth Circuit has found that in Oklahoma, “a nolo contendere plea ‘has the same legal
effect as a guilty plea except that it may not be used against the defendant as an admission in any
civil suit based on the act upon which the criminal prosecution is based.’” United States v.
Cartwright, 678 F.3d 907, 916 (10th Cir. 2012) (quoting Morgan v. State, 744 P.2d 1280, 1281
(Okla. Crim. App. 1987)).
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46 F.3d 1024, 1033 (10th Cir. 1995). “Whether a plea is voluntary is a question of federal law, but
this legal conclusion rests on factual findings and inferences from those findings.” Fields v. Gibson,
277 F.3d 1203, 1212 (10th Cir. 2002) (citing Boykin). As discussed above, the “determination of
a factual issue made by a State court shall be presumed to be correct. The applicant shall have the
burden of rebutting the presumption of correctness by clear and convincing evidence.” 28 U.S.C.
§ 2254(e)(1).
In this case, Petitioner’s allegations in proposition four are belied by the record. Respondent
provided copies of the “Findings of Fact - Acceptance of Plea” filed in Petitioner’s case. See Dkt.
# 21-1, Ex. 1. On the first page, Petitioner affirmed that he could read and understand the form. Id.
at ¶ 4. He identified Brian Martin as his lawyer. Id. at ¶ 15. Petitioner also affirmed that he
understood the nature and consequences of the proceeding, had talked over the charges with his
lawyer, had advised his lawyer regarding any available defenses, and had his lawyer’s advice. Id.
at ¶¶ 8 and 16. Further, he answered “Yes” to the question, “Do you believe your lawyer has
effectively assisted you in this case and are you satisfied with his/her advice?” Id. at ¶ 17. He
correctly stated an understanding of the terms of his plea agreement. Id. at ¶ 19. He indicated that
he did not have any additional statements to the court. Id. at ¶ 28. Petitioner swore under oath that
his answers were true and correct, and that he understood he could be prosecuted for perjury if he
had made false statements to the court. Id. at ¶ 20.
In addition to the form, Petitioner testified at his plea hearing on September 10, 2007, that
he had read and answered truthfully the statements on the Findings of Fact and Acceptance of Plea
form. See Dkt. # 23-1, Plea Hr’g Trans. dated Sept. 10, 2007, at 3. The trial court conducted a
thorough inquiry of Petitioner concerning his desire to plead no contest pursuant to plea agreements

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covering both counts, and whether the terms of the plea agreements had been thoroughly explained
and were understood by Petitioner. Id. at 4-5. The trial judge also specifically enumerated trial rights
that Petitioner was waiving by pleading guilty. Id. at 10. Petitioner testified that he was pleading no
contest to each of the counts because he believed that the state could convince a judge or jury of his
guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. at 14. The court concluded that there was a factual basis for the
no contest pleas and accepted the pleas. The record demonstrates an “affirmative showing” that
Petitioner’s guilty pleas were knowing and voluntary, as required by Boykin.
In determining that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying Petitioner’s motion
to withdraw his plea, the OCCA applied the correct legal standard in analyzing Petitioner’s plea. See
Dkt. # 21-7, Ex. 7 at 2, n.2 (citing Cox v. State. 152 P.3d 244, 251 (Okla. Crim. App. 2006) (relying
on Boykin)). Moreover, the OCCA’s factual conclusions are supported by the record. The Court
finds that Petitioner has not presented clear and convincing evidence to rebut the presumption of
correctness afforded the OCCA’s factual determinations. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(1). Nor has Petitioner
demonstrated that the OCCA’s decision was an unreasonable application of Supreme Court law.
28 U.S.C. § 2254(d). For those reasons, habeas corpus relief is denied on ground four.
2. Double jeopardy/double punishment (ground 6)
In his sixth ground for relief, Petitioner contends that his convictions for Possession of
Firearm and Robbery with Firearm, both After Former Convictions of Two or More Felonies
constitutes double punishment3 and double jeopardy. The OCCA rejected this claim in the second

3

Although Petitioner does not specifically reference an Oklahoma statute in complaining
about “double punishment,” he refers the Court to his second certiorari appeal in OCCA Case No.
C-2008-648. In his appellate brief before the OCCA, Petitioner complained that the two convictions
violate the prohibition on multiple punishments found in Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 11. See Dkt. # 21-6,
Ex. 6 at 12.
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certiorari appeal, finding that the two convictions did not violate the prohibition against double
jeopardy or the restrictions found in Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 11. See Dkt. # 21-7, Ex. 7 at 3.
To the extent Petitioner claims that he has suffered multiple punishments in violation of
Oklahoma statutory law, Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 11, the Court finds the claim should be denied because
it is not cognizable on federal habeas corpus review. A federal habeas court has no authority to
review a state court’s interpretation or application of its own state laws. Estelle v. McGuire, 502
U.S. 62, 67-68 (1991) (emphasizing that it is not the province of a federal habeas court to reexamine
state-court determinations on state-law questions). Instead, when conducting habeas review, a
federal court is limited to deciding whether a conviction violated the Constitution, laws, or treaties
of the United States. Id.; 28 U.S.C. §§ 2254(a). Petitioner’s double punishment claim, insofar as it
is based on an Oklahoma statute, is not cognizable in this federal habeas corpus proceeding and shall
be denied on that basis.
Nor is Petitioner entitled to relief on a federal constitutional claim of double punishment. The
double jeopardy clause protects against multiple punishments for the same offense. North Carolina
v. Pearce, 395 U.S. 711, 717 (1969), overruled on other grounds by Alabama v. Smith, 490 U.S. 794
(1989). In addition, a single act may form the basis for the prosecution of two distinct statutory
offenses whenever conviction for each offense requires the proof of a fact that the other does not.
Blockburger v. United States, 284 U.S. 299, 304 (1932); Anderson v. Mullin, 327 F.3d 1148, 115354 (10th Cir. 2003); Goldsmith v. Cheney, 447 F.2d 624, 627-28 (10th Cir. 1971).
On certiorari appeal, Petitioner argued that his convictions violated the prohibition against
double jeopardy because “these convictions arose out of the same act.” See Dkt. # 21-6, Ex. 6 at
12-16. However, under Blockburger, Petitioner was convicted of two distinct offenses. There is no

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double jeopardy violation. Petitioner has failed to demonstrate that the OCCA’s adjudication of this
claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of federal law as determined by the Supreme
Court. Therefore, his request for habeas corpus relief on ground six shall be denied. 28 U.S.C. §
2254(d).
3. Factual basis for pleas (ground 7)
For his seventh ground, Petitioner states that he “must be allowed to withdraw his pleas”
because there was no factual basis to support the pleas. See Dkt. # 14 at 16. In his state appellate
brief, Petitioner cites only state law to support this claim. He makes no claim of a federal
constitutional violation, nor does he cite federal law to support his demand that the must be allowed
to withdraw his pleas. Citing Hagar v. State, 990 P.2d 894, 896 (Okla. Crim. App. 1999),4 the OCCA
found that the record contains a sufficient factual basis to support Petitioner’s pleas. See Dkt. # 21-7,
Ex. 7 at 3. Further, there is no federal constitutional requirement for a district court to ascertain a
factual basis for the plea unless a defendant claims actual innocence while pleading. See Perkis v.
Sirmons, 201 Fed. Appx. 648, 651 (10th Cir. 2006) (unpublished).5 Petitioner has failed to
demonstrate that the OCCA’s decision was contrary to or involved an unreasonable application of
clearly established Supreme Court law, or was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts.
Habeas relief shall be denied on Petitioner’s ground seven claim.

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In Hagar, the OCCA relied upon North Carolina v. Alford, 400 U.S. 25, 37-38 (1970), for
the proposition that the factual basis of a plea must be sufficient to provide a means by which the
judge can test whether the pleas is being entered intelligently.
5

This unpublished opinion is cited for persuasive value. See 10th Cir. R. 32.1(A).
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4. Ineffective assistance of counsel (ground 8)
Petitioner next claims that his attorney was constitutionally deficient when he filed a motion
to withdraw pleas which did not comply with the rules of the court. In particular, Petitioner
complains that his counsel did not list any reasons for Petitioner wanting to withdraw his pleas in
the motion to withdraw pleas. See Dkt. # 21-6, Ex. 6 at 20. Citing Strickland v. Washington, 466
U.S. 668 (1984), the OCCA concluded that Petitioner failed to show deficient performance and
prejudice as a result of his attorney’s failure to list grounds to support Petitioner’s motion to
withdraw plea. See Dkt. # 21-7, Ex. 7 at 3.
To be entitled to habeas corpus relief on his claim of ineffective assistance of counsel,
Petitioner must demonstrate that the OCCA’s adjudication of this claim was an unreasonable
application of Strickland. Under Strickland, a defendant must show that his counsel’s performance
was deficient and that the deficient performance was prejudicial. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687; Osborn
v. Shillinger, 997 F.2d 1324, 1328 (10th Cir. 1993). A defendant can establish the first prong by
showing that counsel performed below the level expected from a reasonably competent attorney in
criminal cases. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-88. There is a “strong presumption that counsel’s
conduct falls within the range of reasonable professional assistance.” Id. at 688. In making this
determination, a court must “judge . . . [a] counsel’s challenged conduct on the facts of the particular
case, viewed as of the time of counsel’s conduct.” Id. at 690. Moreover, review of counsel’s
performance must be highly deferential. “[I]t is all too easy for a court, examining counsel’s defense
after it has proved unsuccessful, to conclude that a particular act or omission of counsel was
unreasonable.” Id. at 689.

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To establish the second prong, a defendant must show that this deficient performance
prejudiced the defense, to the extent that “there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s
unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different. A reasonable
probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.” Id. at 694; see also
Sallahdin v. Gibson, 275 F.3d 1211, 1235 (10th Cir. 2002); Boyd v. Ward, 179 F.3d 904, 914 (10th
Cir. 1999). This Court’s review of the OCCA’s decision on ineffective assistance of counsel claims
is “doubly deferential.” Cullen v. Pinholster, 131 S. Ct. 1388, 1403 (2011) (noting that a habeas
court must take a “highly deferential” look at counsel’s performance under Strickland and through
the “deferential” lens of § 2254(d)). If Petitioner is unable to show either “deficient performance”
or “sufficient prejudice,” his claim of ineffective assistance fails. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 700. Thus,
it is not always necessary to address both Strickland prongs.
In Hill v. Lockhart, 474 U.S. 52 (1985), the Supreme Court set out the applicable standard
for reviewing ineffective assistance of counsel claims in the context of guilty pleas. In accord with
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, a defendant challenging the effective assistance of counsel during the
guilty plea process must show that counsel’s performance was deficient and that such deficient
performance prejudiced him. Id. at 57-58. As the Court explained in Hill,
[I]n the context of guilty pleas, the first half of the Strickland v. Washington test is
nothing more than a restatement of the standard of attorney competence . . . . The
second, or “prejudice,” requirement, on the other hand, focuses on whether counsel’s
constitutionally ineffective performance affected the outcome of the plea process. In
other words, in order to satisfy the “prejudice” requirement, the defendant must show
that there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s errors, he would not have
pleaded guilty and would have insisted on going to trial.
Id. at 58-59. However, “a petitioner’s ‘mere allegation’ that he would have insisted on trial but for
his counsel’s errors, although necessary, is ultimately insufficient to entitle him to relief.” Miller v.

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Champion, 262 F.3d 1066, 1072 (10th Cir. 2001) (quoting Hill, 474 U.S. at 59). Rather, the Court
“look[s] to the factual circumstances surrounding the plea to determine whether the petitioner would
have proceeded to trial.” Id.
Upon review of the record in Petitioner’s case, it is clear that he has not satisfied the
prejudice prong of the Strickland and Hill standards. He was given an opportunity at two hearings
before the district court to explain his reasons for seeking a withdrawal of his no contest pleas.
Although two different judges presided over the hearings, and heard Petitioner explain why he
wanted to withdraw his pleas, both judges concluded that the original pleas were both knowingly
and voluntarily given. The Court concludes that counsel’s failure to list the reasons on the motion
to withdraw pleas had no bearing on the decision of the district court after each hearing. In addition,
Petitioner does not allege in this habeas action that but for counsel’s deficient performance, he
would have insisted on proceeding to trial. Therefore, Petitioner has failed to show prejudice. The
OCCA’s rejection of this issue was not an unreasonable application of Strickland, and Petitioner’s
claim for relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel shall be denied.
D.

Procedural bar (grounds 9-27)
In grounds 9-27, Petitioner alleges that his appellate counsel failed to provide

constitutionally effective representation. These claims were not raised in either of Petitioner’s
certiorari appeals, but were raised for the first time in Petitioner’s post-conviction application. For
the reasons discussed below, the Court finds the claims are procedurally barred.
The record confirms that these ineffective assistance of appellate counsel claims were raised
in Petitioner’s application for post-conviction relief. See Dkt. # 21-8, -9, -10, Ex. ## 8a, 8b, 8c.
However, the OCCA dismissed Petitioner’s post-conviction appeal as untimely, based on

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Petitioner’s failure to comply with Rule 5.2(C)(2), Rules of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal
Appeals. See Dkt. # 21-19, Ex. 15. In response to the petition, Respondent asserts that this Court
should uphold the procedural bar imposed by the OCCA as to the arguments asserted in Petitioner’s
9-27 grounds of error. See Dkt. # 21 at 27.
The doctrine of procedural bar prohibits a federal court from considering a specific habeas
claim where the state’s highest court declined to reach the merits of that claim on independent and
adequate state procedural grounds, unless a petitioner “can demonstrate cause for the default and
actual prejudice as a result of the alleged violation of federal law, or demonstrate that failure to
consider the claims will result in a fundamental miscarriage of justice.” Coleman v. Thompson, 501
U.S. 722, 750 (1991); see also Maes v. Thomas, 46 F.3d 979, 985 (10th Cir. 1995); Gilbert v. Scott,
941 F.2d 1065, 1067-68 (10th Cir. 1991). “A state court finding of procedural default is
independent if it is separate and distinct from federal law.” Maes, 46 F.3d at 985. A finding of
procedural default is an adequate state ground if it has been applied evenhandedly “‘in the vast
majority’ of cases.” Id. at 986 (quoting Andrews v. Deland, 943 F.2d 1162, 1190 (10th Cir.1991)).

Applying the principles of procedural default to these facts, the Court concludes Petitioner’s
grounds 9-27 are procedurally barred from this Court’s review. The state court’s procedural bar as
applied to Petitioner’s claims of ineffective assistance of appellate counsel was an “independent”
ground because Petitioner’s failure to comply with state procedural rules was “the exclusive basis
for the state court’s holding.” Maes, 46 F.3d at 985. Additionally, the procedural bar was an
“adequate” state ground because, as stated above, the OCCA requires strict adherence to procedural
rules and consistently dismisses appeals which do not comply with the rules. See Johnson v.

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Champion, 288 F.3d 1215, 1227 n.3 (10th Cir. 2002) (concluding that the OCCA’s declination of
jurisdiction based on Rule 5.2(C)(2) constitutes an independent and adequate state procedural
ground).
As a result, the Court finds that habeas corpus relief on grounds 9-27 shall be denied on the
basis of the procedural default doctrine unless Petitioner demonstrates “cause and prejudice” or a
“fundamental miscarriage of justice” to excuse his procedural default of the claims. Coleman, 501
U.S. at 750; Maes, 46 F.3d at 985. To demonstrate “cause,” a petitioner is required to “show that
some objective factor external to the defense impeded . . . efforts to comply with the state procedural
rules.” Murray v. Carrier, 477 U.S. 478, 488 (1986). Examples of such external factors include the
discovery of new evidence, a change in the law, and interference by state officials. Id. A petitioner
is additionally required to establish prejudice, which requires showing “‘actual prejudice’ resulting
from the errors of which he complains.” United States v. Frady, 456 U.S. 152, 168 (1982). The
alternative is proof of a “fundamental miscarriage of justice,” which requires a petitioner to
demonstrate that he is “actually innocent” of the crime for which he was convicted. McCleskey v.
Zant, 499 U.S. 467, 494 (1991).
As part of his reply to Respondent’s assertion that grounds 9-27 are procedurally barred,
Petitioner alleges that he attempted to file his post-conviction petition in error timely, but “he was
hindered and prevented from complying with the OCCA’s rules/procedures due [to] ‘official
interference’ by Lawton Correctional Facility failure to provide Petitioner with a pauper’s affidavit
in a timely matter to be filed with petition in error . . . and because OCCA Court Clerk waited to file
Petitioner’s appeal until August 19, 2010.” See Dkt. # 25 at 2. However, Petitioner admits that he
did not send a pauper’s affidavit with his petition in error sent on August 10, 2010. Id. He also

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concedes that he received a letter from the OCCA court clerk advising that his documents would be
retained until a pauper’s affidavit or $50.00 filing fee was paid. id.
Pursuant to Rule 1.11, Rules of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, a pleading is not
considered filed in the OCCA “until such time as the filing fee is paid or an ‘Affidavit in Forma
Pauperis’ is properly filed.” See Rule 1.11. Based on the record, it appears that Petitioner’s postconviction petition in error was not filed of record until September 3, 2010, because that is the date
the Clerk of the Appellate Courts received Petitioner’s pauper’s affidavit. Thus, Petitioner’s
untimely filing of this post-conviction petition in error is attributable to his own failure to file a
timely pauper’s affidavit, rather than to any action by the Clerk of the Appellate Courts. Further,
other than to assert that it was “well in advance of Aug. 10, 2010,” Petitioner has not advised this
Court, or provided any evidence to show, when he requested prison officials to provide him a
pauper’s affidavit. See Dkt. # 25 at 3. It was apparently not early enough to obtain the affidavit in
time to submit with his petition in error. Finally, if Petitioner believes he can prove that he was
denied a timely post-conviction appeal through no fault of his own, he has an available remedy: to
seek a post-conviction appeal out of time. Nothing suggests he has utilized that remedy before
coming to federal court. As a result, the Court finds that Petitioner has failed to demonstrate “cause”
sufficient to overcome the procedural bar applicable to his claims of ineffective assistance of counsel
described in grounds 9-27.
Petitioner’s only other means of gaining federal habeas review of his defaulted claims is a
claim of actual innocence under the fundamental miscarriage of justice exception. Herrera v.
Collins, 506 U.S. 390, 403-404 (1993); Sawyer v. Whitley, 505 U.S. 333, 339-341 (1992); see also
Schlup v. Delo, 513 U.S. 298 (1995). To meet this test, a criminal defendant must make a colorable

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showing of factual innocence. Beavers v. Saffle, 216 F.3d 918, 923 (10th Cir. 2000) (citing Herrera,
506 U.S. at 404). Under Schlup, a showing of innocence sufficient to allow consideration of
procedurally barred claims must be “so strong that a court cannot have confidence in the outcome
of the trial unless the court is also satisfied that the trial was free of nonharmless constitutional error
. . . .” Schlup, 513 U.S. at 316. Petitioner has the burden of persuading this Court “that, in light of
the new evidence, no juror, acting reasonably, would have voted to find him guilty beyond a
reasonable doubt.” Id. at 329. Petitioner fails to provide any new evidence in support of his claim
of actual innocence. Instead, he simply sets out evidence that he believes would have exonerated
him, all of which was available at the time of his preliminary hearing. See Dkt. # 25 at 6-11. Because
none of the proffered evidence is new, Petitioner has not satisfied the fundamental miscarriage of
justice exception. Therefore, the Court finds the fundamental miscarriage of justice exception is
inapplicable in this case.
Accordingly, because Petitioner has not demonstrated “cause and prejudice” or that a
“fundamental miscarriage of justice” will result if his claims are not considered, the Court concludes
that Petitioner’s grounds 9-27 shall be denied as procedurally barred. Coleman, 501 U.S. at 750.
E.

Certificate of appealability
Rule 11, Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases in the United States District Courts, instructs

that “[t]he district court must issue or deny a certificate of appealability when it enters a final order
adverse to the applicant.” Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2253, the court may issue a certificate of
appealability “only if the applicant has made a substantial showing of the denial of a constitutional
right,” and the court “indicates which specific issue or issues satisfy [that] showing.” A petitioner
can satisfy that standard by demonstrating that the issues raised are debatable among jurists, that a

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court could resolve the issues differently, or that the questions deserve further proceedings. Slack
v. McDaniel, 529 U.S. 473, 483-84 (2000) (citing Barefoot v. Estelle, 463 U.S. 880, 893 (1983)).
In addition, when the Court’s ruling is based on procedural grounds, Petitioner must demonstrate
that “jurists of reason would find it debatable whether the petition states a valid claim of the denial
of a constitutional right and that jurists of reason would find it debatable whether the district court
was correct in its procedural ruling.” Slack, 529 U.S. at 484.
After considering the record in this case, the Court concludes that a certificate of
appealability should not issue. Nothing suggests that the Tenth Circuit would find that this Court’s
application of AEDPA standards to the decision by the OCCA was debatable amongst jurists of
reason. See Dockins v. Hines, 374 F.3d 935 (10th Cir. 2004). As to those claims denied on a
procedural basis, Petitioner has failed to satisfy the second prong of the required showing, i.e., that
the Court’s ruling resulting in the denial of relief on grounds 9-27 on procedural grounds was
debatable or incorrect. The record is devoid of any authority suggesting that the Tenth Circuit Court
of Appeals would resolve the issues in this case differently. A certificate of appealability shall be
denied.
CONCLUSION
After carefully reviewing the record in this case, the Court concludes that the Petitioner has
not established that he is in custody in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States.

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ACCORDINGLY, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:
1.

The original petition for writ of habeas corpus (Dkt. # 1) is declared moot.

2.

The amended petition for a writ of habeas corpus (Dkt. #14) is denied.

3.

A separate judgment shall be entered in this matter.

4.

A certificate of appealability is denied.

DATED THIS 14th day of May, 2013.

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