Wright v. State

Summary

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed the denial of Jimmy Wayne Wright’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea to two malice murders. The court held that Wright’s plea was knowing and voluntary and that he failed to establish ineffective assistance of counsel based on alleged deficiencies in the investigation.

Holdings

1. The guilty plea was intelligent, knowing, and voluntary because the record established that Wright understood the constitutional rights he was relinquishing and the possible consequences of the plea.
2. Wright failed to establish ineffective assistance because he did not show deficient performance or prejudice arising from counsel's investigation.
3. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying Wright's motion to withdraw his guilty plea.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Wright's guilty plea was involuntary because of allegedly coercive advice from trial counsel.
2. Whether trial counsel provided ineffective assistance by failing to investigate possible alternative perpetrators, witnesses, and defenses.
3. Whether the trial court abused its discretion by denying Wright's post-sentencing motion to withdraw his guilty plea.

Disposition

affirmed