Dallas Jay Stewart v. State of Tennessee

The Petitioner, Dallas Jay Stewart, appeals from the denial of his petition seeking post-conviction relief from his convictions of rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, and exhibition of harmful material to a minor.  On appeal, the Petitioner contends that the post-conviction court erred by finding that trial counsel was not ineffective by failing to object to testimony that the Petitioner took a polygraph test and by “opening the door” to evidence of an uncharged allegation that the Petitioner committed a sexual offense in Williamson County.  The Petitioner further contends that the post-conviction court erred by refusing to grant a continuance to allow the Petitioner additional time to prepare for the post-conviction hearing.  Upon review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.