Patrick Rico Edwards v. State of Tennessee

Patrick Rico Edwards (“the Petitioner”) appeals from the denial of his petition for post-conviction relief.  On appeal, the Petitioner argues (1) that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to present at the sentencing hearing expert testimony about the Petitioner’s mental health; and (2) that his plea was unknowing and involuntary.  Additionally, the Petitioner contends that the post-conviction court’s failure to make findings of fact and conclusions of law about the voluntariness of his plea constitutes reversible error.  We conclude that the post-conviction court erred when it failed to make findings of fact and conclusions of law regarding the voluntary and intelligent nature of the Petitioner’s plea but such error was harmless in this case.  Further, we conclude that the Petitioner has failed to prove that he is entitled to post-conviction relief for either of his claims.  The judgment of the post-conviction court is affirmed.