Lafler v. Cooper

Anthony Cooper (defendant), charged with assault with intent to murder and related offenses after shooting at and repeatedly hitting Kali Mundy, was twice offered a plea deal by the prosecution dismissing two charges and recommending 51 to 85 months on the rest; Cooper initially wanted to accept but rejected the offer both times after his attorney convinced him the prosecution couldn't win at trial. Convicted on all four counts, Cooper received 185 to 360 months, far more than the plea offer, and sought federal habeas relief against warden Blaine Lafler, arguing his attorney's advice to reject the plea was constitutionally deficient. The district court conditionally granted the writ, ordering the original plea offer reinstated, and the court of appeals affirmed before the Supreme Court granted certiorari.