Edd Stepp v. State of Tennessee

The Petitioner, Edd Stepp, pled guilty to nine counts of aggravated sexual battery, a Class B felony, and was sentenced as a violent offender to twelve years for each count, with four of the sentences to be served consecutively, for an effective sentence of forty-eight years. On appeal, this court modified his sentences to eight years for each count, with two of the sentences to be served consecutively, for an effective sentence of sixteen years. The Petitioner filed a petition for post-conviction relief which, following an evidentiary hearing, was dismissed by the post-conviction court. On appeal, the Petitioner argues, and the State concedes, that the post-conviction court erred in finding that the guilty pleas of the Petitioner were knowing and voluntary and in dismissing the petition. Following our review, we agree, reverse the order of the post-conviction court, and remand for the granting of post-conviction relief.