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Hinton v. Alabama

Docket No. Op. Below Argument Opinion Vote Author Term
13-6440 Ala. Not Argued Feb 24, 2014 N/A Per Curiam OT 2013

Holding: The failure of the lawyer for a defendant in a capital murder trial to seek additional funds to hire, as a replacement for an expert whom he knew to be inadequate, an expert to rebut the core of the prosecution's case was unreasonable, and therefore constitutionally deficient, when that failure was based not on any strategic decision, but rather on a mistaken belief that available funding was capped at $1,000. The Court therefore summarily vacated the judgment below and remanded the case for reconsideration of whether the attorney's deficient performance was prejudicial.

Judgment: Vacated and remanded in a per curiam opinion on February 24, 2014.

DateProceedings and Orders (key to color coding)
07/03/2013Application (13A40) to extend the time to file a petition for a writ of certiorari from July 18, 2013 to September 16, 2013, submitted to Justice Thomas.
07/15/2013Application (13A40) granted by Justice Thomas extending the time to file until September 16, 2013.
09/16/2013Petition for a writ of certiorari and motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed. (Response due October 21, 2013)
10/15/2013Order extending time to file response to petition to and including November 20, 2013.
10/21/2013Brief amicus curiae of The Constitution Project filed.
11/13/2013Brief of respondent Alabama in opposition filed.
11/22/2013Reply of petitioner Anthony Ray Hinton filed.
11/27/2013DISTRIBUTED for Conference of December 13, 2013.
12/04/2013Record Requested .
01/08/2014Record received. Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama (1 envelope)
01/09/2014DISTRIBUTED for Conference of January 24, 2014.
02/10/2014DISTRIBUTED for Conference of February 21, 2014.
02/24/2014Motion to proceed in forma pauperis and petition for a writ of certiorari GRANTED. Judgment VACATED and case REMANDED. Opinion per curiam. (Detached Opinion)
03/28/2014MANDATE ISSUED.