Joe Elton Nixon was indicted in Leon County, Florida, for first-degree murder, kidnaping, robbery, and arson for the death of Jeanne Bickner. Nixon entered a plea of not guilty. During the opening statements of the trial, Nixon’s defense attorney, Michael Corin, stated that; “In this case, there won’t be any question, none whatsoever, that my client Joe Elton Nixon, caused Jeannie Bickner’s death…”. This statement, along with others made during the trial, were the basis for the appeal filed by Nixon with the Florida Supreme Court. Nixon claimed that his counsel was ineffective because of the comments made during opening statements and closing arguments that conceded his guilt without his approval, which he claimed was the same as entering a