State v. Gerald, 227 N.C. App. 127 (May. 7, 2013)

Counsel was ineffective by failing move to suppress evidence obtained by a “patently unconstitutional seizure.” The State conceded that the evidence was obtained illegally but argued that counsel’s failure to move to suppress could have been the result of trial strategy. The court rejected this argument, noting in part trial counsel’s affidavit stating that he had no strategic reason for his failure. Trial counsel’s conduct fell below an objective standard of reasonableness and the defendant suffered prejudice as a result.