Terrance Walker appeared in court for a double-murder trial and learned that his court appointed attorney failed to prepare to represent him. The trial judge refused counsel's repeated requests to continue the case, deeming counsel's lack of preparedness "irrelevant." The trial that followed lasted less than half an hour. Defense counsel failed to raise a single objection. The court found Mr. Walker guilty, and sentenced him to 60 years in prison. Counsel failed to file a motion for a new trial, or a notice of appeal.

Sixteen years later, Mr. Stephenson accepted the case pro bono. He obtained an order from the Illinois Supreme Court re-instating Mr. Walker's appellate rights. The appellate court affirmed Mr. Walker's conviction, finding that he could not show that defense counsel's lack of preparedness prejudiced him. The Illinois Supreme Court granted leave to appeal.

This case is currently pending in the Illinois Supreme Court. See, Case No. 105437; links to filed documents appear to the right.