Balfour v. Haws

Lavin T. Balfour, now serving a 30-year prison term for his Illinois murder conviction, appeals on four grounds from denial of his petition for writ of habeas corpus. Balfour was convicted following a bench trial in state court. The Appellate Court of Illinois affirmed the conviction on appeal in a published opinion. 498 N.E.2d 547 (1st Dist. 1986). In the Illinois Supreme Court, where Balfour turned next with a pro se petition, leave to appeal was denied without opinion. 508 N.E.2d 730 (1987). Balfour then commenced a pro se habeas corpus petition in federal district court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254, which was dismissed without prejudice. Assisted by appointed counsel, Balfour tried again with an Amended Petition and supporting Memorandum of Law. In a Memorandum Opinion and Order dated September 13, 1988, the district court denied the Amended Petition. No. 87-C-5587 (N.D.Ill.), (Williams, J.) ("District Court Op.").