Izaguirre v. Lee
Petitioner Raul Izaguirre challenges his New York state conviction for Manslaughter in the First Degree via a habeas corpus petition, alleging insufficient evidence, improper plea persuasion by the court, and a retaliatory sentence. The federal court denies the insufficiency of evidence and improper plea persuasion claims, finding them procedurally barred or without merit. However, the court grants habeas relief on the retaliatory sentencing claim, concluding that the trial judge's pre-trial statement promising a 25-year sentence if convicted, followed by its imposition, created an unrebutted presumption of judicial vindictiveness. The case is remanded for re-sentencing by a different judge within 90 days.