ineffective assistance claim (Maine) · Go Syfert
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ineffective assistance claim in Maine

17 Maine opinions name it 2 courts 1993–2026 7 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Maine courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (18)

CaseFollowedCited
In re Tyrel L.green
me · 2017 · cited in 3 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2021–2023
2 sentences

2023See In re Tyrel L., 2017 ME 212, ¶¶ 6-11 , 172 A.3d 916 (reiterating “the strict procedural requirements applicable to a direct appeal” raising 4 We decline the mother’s invitation to abandon entirely the prejudice prong of the ineffective-assistance analysis.

2023See In re Tyrel L., 2017 ME 212, ¶¶ 6-11 , 172 A.3d 916 (reiterating “the strict procedural requirements applicable to a direct appeal” raising 4 We decline the mother’s invitation to abandon entirely the prejudice prong of the ineffective-assistance analysis.

33
In re M.P.green
me · 2015 · cited in 6 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2017–2026
2 sentences

2026Procedure for Raising an Ineffective-Assistance-of-Counsel Claim [¶15] We further determine that to assert an ineffective-assistance claim in a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding, parties must follow a process similar to that we have articulated for use in termination-of-parental-rights and involuntary-commitment cases, with some modifications. [¶16] First, an individual may raise an ineffective-assistance claim on direct appeal when “there are no new facts that the [individual] seeks to offer in support of the claim”—in other words, “when the record is sufficiently well developed to p

2026Procedure for Raising an Ineffective-Assistance-of-Counsel Claim [¶15] We further determine that to assert an ineffective-assistance claim in a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding, parties must follow a process similar to that we have articulated for use in termination-of-parental-rights and involuntary-commitment cases, with some modifications. [¶16] First, an individual may raise an ineffective-assistance claim on direct appeal when “there are no new facts that the [individual] seeks to offer in support of the claim”—in other words, “when the record is sufficiently well developed to p

26
Strickland v. Washingtongreen
scotus · 1984 · cited in 3 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2006–2026
2 sentences

2023Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697 (“there is no reason for a court deciding an ineffective assistance claim... to address both components of the inquiry if the defendant makes an insufficient showing on one”). ili.

2006See Pottios v. State, 1997 ME 234, ¶¶ 9-10 , 704 A.2d 1221, 1223-24 ; see also Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697 , 104 S.Ct. 2052 (holding that “there is no reason for a court deciding an ineffective assistance claim to approach the inquiry in the same order or even to address both components of the inquiry if the defendant makes an insufficient showing on one”).

23
In re Aliyah M.green
me · 2016 · cited in 3 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2017–2026
2 sentences

2024See also, e.g., In re Children of Meagan C., 2019 ME 129, ¶ 22 , 214 A.3d 9 ; In re Aliyah M., 2016 20 ME 106, ¶ 8, 144 A.3d 50 . 35 given time frame or, indeed, at all.21 It is difficult to protect a parent’s due process rights while denying an ineffective-assistance claim solely on the ground that the parent failed to secure affidavits from witnesses.

2017DISCUSSION [¶ 6] In his appeal, the father directly raises a claim that his counsel for the termination proceeding was ineffective. 3 Because we have not “frequently addressed issues of ineffective assistance of counsel in eases of termination of parental rights,” In re Evelyn A., 2017 ME 182, ¶ 38 , 169 A.3d 914 (Alexander, J., dissenting), we first write to address the father’s ineffective assistance claim and reiterate “the strict procedural requirements applicable to a direct appeal.” In re Aliyah M., 2016 ME 106, ¶ 10 , 144 A.3d 50 . [¶ 7] “We have held that there are two ways a parent ca

23
In re B.C.green
me · 2012 · cited in 2 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
2 sentences

2021See id.

2021See id.

22
In re Children of Kacee S.green
me · 2021 · cited in 2 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2024–2026
2 sentences

2026We also determine that we can assess R.’s claim on direct appeal because the basis for the claim is apparent from the record and R. does not rely on facts extrinsic to the record in making his argument. [¶20] In keeping with our role as an appellate court, “our task is to determine whether [R.] has made a prima facie showing of ineffective assistance of counsel sufficient to justify a remand to the trial court for a hearing on the claim.” In re Children of Kacee S., 2021 ME 36, ¶ 21 , 253 A.3d 1063 ; see also In re Aliyah M., 2016 ME 106, ¶¶ 12-13 , 144 A.3d 50 (explaining that “when a party m

2024See In re Children of Kacee S., 2021 ME 36, ¶ 16 , 253 A.3d 1063 .

12
In Re Children of Destiny H.green
me · 2024 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026See In re Children of Destiny H., 2024 ME 66, ¶ 41 , 322 A.3d 1183 (quotation marks omitted). 6 [¶18] Lastly, we address the time in which one must assert an ineffective-assistance claim arising from guardianship or conservatorship proceedings.

11
In re Henry B.green
me · 2017 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026Procedure for Raising an Ineffective-Assistance-of-Counsel Claim [¶15] We further determine that to assert an ineffective-assistance claim in a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding, parties must follow a process similar to that we have articulated for use in termination-of-parental-rights and involuntary-commitment cases, with some modifications. [¶16] First, an individual may raise an ineffective-assistance claim on direct appeal when “there are no new facts that the [individual] seeks to offer in support of the claim”—in other words, “when the record is sufficiently well developed to p

11
In re Henry B.green
me · 2017 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026Procedure for Raising an Ineffective-Assistance-of-Counsel Claim [¶15] We further determine that to assert an ineffective-assistance claim in a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding, parties must follow a process similar to that we have articulated for use in termination-of-parental-rights and involuntary-commitment cases, with some modifications. [¶16] First, an individual may raise an ineffective-assistance claim on direct appeal when “there are no new facts that the [individual] seeks to offer in support of the claim”—in other words, “when the record is sufficiently well developed to p

11
In re Children of Meagan C.green
me · 2019 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024See also, e.g., In re Children of Meagan C., 2019 ME 129, ¶ 22 , 214 A.3d 9 ; In re Aliyah M., 2016 20 ME 106, ¶ 8, 144 A.3d 50 . 35 given time frame or, indeed, at all.21 It is difficult to protect a parent’s due process rights while denying an ineffective-assistance claim solely on the ground that the parent failed to secure affidavits from witnesses.

11
Ryan Brown v. Kenneth Romanowskigreen
ca6 · 2017 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
1 sentence

2023Cf. Brown v. Romanowski, 845 F.3d 703, 716 (6th Cir. 2017) (holding that the accused’s failure to assert the right to a speedy trial 12 See, e.g., State v. Kopelow, 126 Me. 384, 386 , 138 A. 625 (“[T]he right of the accused to have a speedy trial may be waived by his own conduct.

11
In re Alexandria C.green
me · 2016 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
2 sentences

2019In re Children of Jeremy A. , 2018 ME 82 , ¶ 21, 187 A.3d 602 (alterations, citations, and quotation marks omitted); see In re Alexandria C. , 2016 ME 182 , ¶¶ 18-19, 152 A.3d 617 . [¶24] The trial court did not err by concluding that the mother failed to meet her burden to show that her counsel at the consent hearing was deficient; therefore, we need not reach the prejudice prong of the ineffective assistance analysis.

2019In re Children of Jeremy A. , 2018 ME 82 , ¶ 21, 187 A.3d 602 (alterations, citations, and quotation marks omitted); see In re Alexandria C. , 2016 ME 182 , ¶¶ 18-19, 152 A.3d 617 . [¶24] The trial court did not err by concluding that the mother failed to meet her burden to show that her counsel at the consent hearing was deficient; therefore, we need not reach the prejudice prong of the ineffective assistance analysis.

11
Whitmore v. Stategreen
me · 1996 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
1 sentence

2006With respect to the second prong of the analysis, we have noted that “[t]o establish that he has been deprived of a substantial ground of defense, [the petitioner] must demonstrate that trial counsel’s performance likely affected the outcome of the trial.” Whit-more v. State, 670 A.2d 394, 396 (Me.1996).

11
Pottios v. Stategreen
me · 1997 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
2 sentences

2006See Pottios v. State, 1997 ME 234, ¶¶ 9-10 , 704 A.2d 1221, 1223-24 ; see also Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697 , 104 S.Ct. 2052 (holding that “there is no reason for a court deciding an ineffective assistance claim to approach the inquiry in the same order or even to address both components of the inquiry if the defendant makes an insufficient showing on one”).

2006See Pottios v. State, 1997 ME 234, ¶¶ 9-10 , 704 A.2d 1221, 1223-24 ; see also Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697 , 104 S.Ct. 2052 (holding that “there is no reason for a court deciding an ineffective assistance claim to approach the inquiry in the same order or even to address both components of the inquiry if the defendant makes an insufficient showing on one”).

11
Robert Rickenbacker, Relator-Appellant v. The Warden, Auburn Correctional Facility, and the People of the State of New Yorkgreen
ca2 · 1977 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
2 sentences

1997See Rickenbacker v. Warden, 550 F.2d 62 (2d Cir.1976) (refraining from modification of the applicable ineffective assistance rule when doing so would not alter the result of the ease).

1997See Rickenbacker v. Warden, 550 F.2d 62 (2d Cir.1976) (refraining from modification of the applicable ineffective assistance rule when doing so would not alter the result of the case).

11
State v. Jordangreen
me · 1995 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
1 sentence

1997See, e.g., State v. Jordan, 659 A.2d 849, 851 (Me.1995) (we will not consider an ineffective assistance claim on direct appeal “unless the record reveals, beyond the possibility for rational disagreement, that the defendant received inadequate representation”). [¶ 4] Today we make clear that we will not consider a claim of the ineffective assistance of counsel on direct appeal; henceforth, we will consider such a contention only after we issue a certificate of probable cause following a hearing on a post-conviction petition.

11
Commonwealth v. Saferiangreen
mass · 1974 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
2 sentences

1993Lang v. Murch, 438 A.2d 914, 915 (Me.1981) (citing Commonwealth v. Saferian, 366 Mass. 89, 96 , 315 N.E.2d 878, 883 (1974)).

1993Lang v. Murch, 438 A.2d 914, 915 (Me.1981) (citing Commonwealth v. Saferian, 366 Mass. 89, 96 , 315 N.E.2d 878, 883 (1974)).

11
Lang v. Murchgreen
me · 1981 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
1 sentence

1993Lang v. Murch, 438 A.2d 914, 915 (Me.1981) (citing Commonwealth v. Saferian, 366 Mass. 89, 96 , 315 N.E.2d 878, 883 (1974)).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Maine. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (10)

CaseCitedYears
Martinez v. Ryan green
scotus · 2012
2 sentences

2017The Court said that when an appellate system—such as Maine’s— “makes the initial-review collateral proceeding a prisoner’s one and only appeal as to an ineffective-assistance claim,”4 id. (quotation marks omitted), that circumstance “may justify an exception to the constitutional rule that there is no right to counsel in collateral proceedings,” id. at 9 .5 [¶7] However, contrary to Reese’s assertion that “[i]n light of Martinez, McEachern must be reinterpreted to comport with due process and allow for the state review of ineffective post-conviction counsel,” the Martinez Court was careful to

2017The Court said that when an appellate system—such as Maine’s— “makes the initial-review collateral proceeding a prisoner’s one and only appeal as to an ineffective-assistance claim,”4 id. (quotation marks omitted), that circumstance “may justify an exception to the constitutional rule that there is no right to counsel in collateral proceedings,” id. at 9 .5 [¶7] However, contrary to Reese’s assertion that “[i]n light of Martinez, McEachern must be reinterpreted to comport with due process and allow for the state review of ineffective post-conviction counsel,” the Martinez Court was careful to

22017–2017
In re Child of Kenneth S. neutral
me · 2022
1 sentence

2024The Department responds that the trial court acted within the bounds of its discretion when it denied the mother’s motion for relief from the judgment because the mother did not demonstrate how the result would have been different but for these alleged deficiencies. [¶34] Although the trial court addressed only the prejudice prong of the ineffective-assistance analysis, see, e.g., In re Child of Kenneth S., 2022 ME 14, ¶ 31 , 269 A.3d 242 , we take the opportunity to point out that the record reveals troubling points in the mother’s representation leading up to the termination hearing.

12024–2024
State v. Kopelow green
me · 1927
2 sentences

2023Cf. Brown v. Romanowski, 845 F.3d 703, 716 (6th Cir. 2017) (holding that the accused’s failure to assert the right to a speedy trial 12 See, e.g., State v. Kopelow, 126 Me. 384, 386 , 138 A. 625 (“[T]he right of the accused to have a speedy trial may be waived by his own conduct.

2023Cf. Brown v. Romanowski, 845 F.3d 703, 716 (6th Cir. 2017) (holding that the accused’s failure to assert the right to a speedy trial 12 See, e.g., State v. Kopelow, 126 Me. 384, 386 , 138 A. 625 (“[T]he right of the accused to have a speedy trial may be waived by his own conduct.

12023–2023
In re Children of Jeremy A. green
me · 2018
2 sentences

2019In re Children of Jeremy A. , 2018 ME 82 , ¶ 21, 187 A.3d 602 (alterations, citations, and quotation marks omitted); see In re Alexandria C. , 2016 ME 182 , ¶¶ 18-19, 152 A.3d 617 . [¶24] The trial court did not err by concluding that the mother failed to meet her burden to show that her counsel at the consent hearing was deficient; therefore, we need not reach the prejudice prong of the ineffective assistance analysis.

2019In re Children of Jeremy A. , 2018 ME 82 , ¶ 21, 187 A.3d 602 (alterations, citations, and quotation marks omitted); see In re Alexandria C. , 2016 ME 182 , ¶¶ 18-19, 152 A.3d 617 . [¶24] The trial court did not err by concluding that the mother failed to meet her burden to show that her counsel at the consent hearing was deficient; therefore, we need not reach the prejudice prong of the ineffective assistance analysis.

12019–2019
State v. Nichols green
me · 1997
2 sentences

2019Procedure for Raising an Ineffective Assistance Claim [¶13] Because Petgrave’s claim is barred from both avenues in which we would ordinarily consider assertions of error occurring in a criminal 9 proceeding—i.e., from post-conviction review by statute and from direct appeal by the Nichols rule—we today recognize an exception to the broad rule articulated in Nichols and hold that in the specific context of a discretionary appeal taken from a probation revocation judgment, a defendant may assert a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel using the procedure described below.3 The procedure we

2019Procedure for Raising an Ineffective Assistance Claim [¶13] Because Petgrave’s claim is barred from both avenues in which we would ordinarily consider assertions of error occurring in a criminal 9 proceeding—i.e., from post-conviction review by statute and from direct appeal by the Nichols rule—we today recognize an exception to the broad rule articulated in Nichols and hold that in the specific context of a discretionary appeal taken from a probation revocation judgment, a defendant may assert a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel using the procedure described below.3 The procedure we

12019–2019
Mark A. Amero v. Maria C. Amero neutral
me · 2016
1 sentence

2019Amero v. Amero , 2016 ME 150 , ¶ 13, 149 A.3d 535 (quotation marks omitted).

12019–2019
State of Maine v. Timothy M. Hunt green
me · 2016
2 sentences

2019Procedure for Raising an Ineffective Assistance Claim [¶13] Because Petgrave's claim is barred from both avenues in which we would ordinarily consider assertions of error occurring in a criminal proceeding-i.e., from post-conviction review by statute and from direct appeal by the Nichols rule-we today recognize an exception to the broad rule articulated in Nichols and hold that in the specific context of a discretionary appeal taken from a probation revocation judgment, a defendant may assert a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel using the procedure described below. 3 The procedure we a

2019Procedure for Raising an Ineffective Assistance Claim [¶13] Because Petgrave's claim is barred from both avenues in which we would ordinarily consider assertions of error occurring in a criminal proceeding-i.e., from post-conviction review by statute and from direct appeal by the Nichols rule-we today recognize an exception to the broad rule articulated in Nichols and hold that in the specific context of a discretionary appeal taken from a probation revocation judgment, a defendant may assert a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel using the procedure described below. 3 The procedure we a

12019–2019
Amero v. Amero neutral
me · 2016
1 sentence

2019Amero v. Amero , 2016 ME 150 , ¶ 13, 149 A.3d 535 (quotation marks omitted).

12019–2019
In re Evelyn A. green
me · 2017
2 sentences

2017DISCUSSION [¶ 6] In his appeal, the father directly raises a claim that his counsel for the termination proceeding was ineffective. 3 Because we have not “frequently addressed issues of ineffective assistance of counsel in eases of termination of parental rights,” In re Evelyn A., 2017 ME 182, ¶ 38 , 169 A.3d 914 (Alexander, J., dissenting), we first write to address the father’s ineffective assistance claim and reiterate “the strict procedural requirements applicable to a direct appeal.” In re Aliyah M., 2016 ME 106, ¶ 10 , 144 A.3d 50 . [¶ 7] “We have held that there are two ways a parent ca

2017DISCUSSION [¶ 6] In his appeal, the father directly raises a claim that his counsel for the termination proceeding was ineffective. 3 Because we have not “frequently addressed issues of ineffective assistance of counsel in eases of termination of parental rights,” In re Evelyn A., 2017 ME 182, ¶ 38 , 169 A.3d 914 (Alexander, J., dissenting), we first write to address the father’s ineffective assistance claim and reiterate “the strict procedural requirements applicable to a direct appeal.” In re Aliyah M., 2016 ME 106, ¶ 10 , 144 A.3d 50 . [¶ 7] “We have held that there are two ways a parent ca

12017–2017
State v. Ali green
me · 2011
2 sentences

2017The precise question here is whether ineffective assistance in an initial-review collateral proceeding on a claim of ineffective assistance at trial may provide cause for a 4 Our precedent establishes that “[w]e do not consider claims of ineffective assistance of counsel on direct appeal; such claims will only be considered after a certificate of probable cause has been issued following a hearing on a post-conviction petition.” Ali, 2011 ME 122, ¶ 20 , 32 A.3d 1019 . 5 In Maine, a petitioner who wishes to be represented in a post-conviction proceeding may retain counsel, or may have counsel ap

2017The precise question here is whether ineffective assistance in an initial-review collateral proceeding on a claim of ineffective assistance at trial may provide cause for a 4 Our precedent establishes that “[w]e do not consider claims of ineffective assistance of counsel on direct appeal; such claims will only be considered after a certificate of probable cause has been issued following a hearing on a post-conviction petition.” Ali, 2011 ME 122, ¶ 20 , 32 A.3d 1019 . 5 In Maine, a petitioner who wishes to be represented in a post-conviction proceeding may retain counsel, or may have counsel ap

12017–2017

Statutes the citing opinions construe

ME § Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 4055 (7) ME § Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 4002 (3) ME § Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 4006 (3) ME § Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 4034 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

TX 1877 (1984–2026) IL 931 (1985–2026) TN 803 (1997–2026) GA 555 (1988–2026) CA 522 (1982–2026) OH 497 (1996–2026) IA 397 (1984–2026) WA 345 (1989–2026) MI 290 (1981–2026) WI 237 (1988–2026) UT 216 (1989–2026) NM 201 (1989–2026) IN 192 (1985–2026) FL 175 (1988–2026) PA 161 (1979–2026) CO 153 (1991–2026) MA 115 (1981–2026) MO 110 (1985–2025) MS 109 (1989–2026) AR 97 (2002–2025) NJ 91 (1994–2026) LA 91 (1990–2025) CT 87 (1983–2026) NY 86 (1987–2026) NE 74 (1993–2026) AL 58 (1984–2026) NV 53 (1996–2022) MT 42 (1996–2026) MN 39 (1992–2026) DE 39 (2010–2026) WV 37 (1995–2024) ID 34 (1988–2026) MD 29 (1990–2026) WY 29 (1988–2025) AZ 29 (1988–2026) SD 25 (1988–2026) DC 24 (1981–2023) NC 23 (1985–2026) SC 21 (1996–2025) KS 20 (2005–2025) KY 20 (1991–2026) ME 17 (1993–2026) HI 15 (1994–2025) OK 15 (1984–2012) NH 15 (1986–2025) ND 14 (1991–2025) RI 9 (1987–2016) VT 8 (2004–2024) OR 7 (2017–2024) VA 6 (2001–2015) AK 3 (2020–2024) GU 3 (2024–2025) VI 2 (2013–2016)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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