September 18, 2017 - State Concedes that Post-Conviction Motion Must Be Granted

September 18, 2017, State concedes that Mr. Kent's state post-conviction motion (Rule 3.850 motion - the state equivalent to a federal 2255 or 2254 petition), must be granted for Mr. Kent's client, E.S., who had been charged with and pled guilty to attempted first degree murder and had been sentenced to 40 years imprisonment, in a case which at the time of the alleged crime had gathered substantial press attention.  Mr. Kent had made a number of arguments that the plea was not a knowing and intelligent, free and voluntary plea, all of which the State ultimately conceded.  The case is set for a status conference and retained trial counsel is now negotiating with the state for a reduced charge and reduced sentence.