Ernest Mills, Petitioner v. Louisiana

Ernest Mills asks the Supreme Court to consider whether Louisiana prosecutors had to disclose material evidence favorable to him before he pleaded guilty. He also argues that a defendant may raise a Brady claim after a guilty plea if withheld evidence caused the plea.

The case is pending, and oral argument has not yet been scheduled. Mills argues that due process requires disclosure of material exculpatory evidence before a guilty plea; no substantive justice or advocate reactions are available yet.

The case could affect defendants deciding whether to plead guilty without evidence that may support their defense. For example, a person who requested favorable evidence before pleading could seek relief if that evidence might have changed the decision to plead.

The case asks whether prosecutors must disclose material favorable evidence before a defendant pleads guilty. It also concerns whether a plea can later be challenged over withheld evidence.

Criminal defendants who plead guilty after requesting favorable evidence could be affected. Prosecutors and state courts could also face clearer pre-plea disclosure duties.

The Supreme Court will consider Mills's petition for certiorari, meaning whether to hear the case. Oral argument has not been scheduled.