Robert Hayden v. State of Tennessee

The Defendant, Robert Hayden, pled guilty to aggravated robbery, especially aggravated kidnapping, and two counts of aggravated rape. His plea did not include an agreement as to his sentences, and he was subsequently sentenced by the court to twelve years for the robbery, twenty-five years for the kidnapping, and twenty-five years for each of the rapes. The sentences were imposed in such a manner as to result in an effective sentence of sixty-two years. The Defendant subsequently filed a direct appeal, claiming that his sentences were excessive. This Court affirmed the trial court's judgments. See State v. Robert A. Hayden, No. M2000-00901-CCA-MR3-CD, 2001 WL 567869 (Tenn. Crim. App., Nashville, May 25, 2001). The Defendant then filed for post-conviction relief, alleging that he received ineffective assistance of counsel in conjunction with his guilty plea and sentencing hearing. He further alleged that his plea was unknowing and involuntary because he was under the influence of medication at the time. After an evidentiary hearing, the trial court denied relief. This appeal followed. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.