Whether the petitioner was denied effective assistance of counsel with respect to the plea process

QUESTIONS PRESENTED 1. Whether the petitioner was denied effective assistance of counsel with respect to the plea process by counsel’s failure to discuss with and inform the petitioner of possible defenses to petitioner’s charges? If counsel had done so, there was a “reasonable probability” the petitioner would have insisted on going to trial instead of pleading guilty. 2. Did the district court and court of appeals fail to comply with the applicable standard when denying the petitioner a certificate of appealability (“COA”). i