THIS OPINION HAS NO PRECEDENTAL VALUE.  IT SHOULD NO BE CITED OR RELIED ON AS PREDECENT IN ANY PROCEEDING EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BY RULE 239(d)(2), SCACR.

THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
In The Court of Appeals

The State,        Respondent,

v.

Frank Middleton,        Appellant.


Appeal From Charleston County
Deadra L. Jefferson, Circuit Court Judge


Unpublished Opinion No. 2004-UP-140
Submitted December 23, 2003 – Filed March 1, 2004


APPEAL DISMISSED


Assistant Appellate Defender Aileen P. Clare, Office of Appellate Defense, of Columbia, for Appellant

Attorney General Henry D. McMaster, Chief Deputy Attorney General John W. McIntosh, Assistant Deputy Attorney General Charles H. Richardson, all of Columbia; and Solicitor Ralph E. Hoisington, of Charleston, for Respondent.


PER CURIAM:  Middleton was convicted of robbery, and he was sentenced.  The issue briefed by appellate counsel concerns whether the trial court erred in denying Middleton’s motion for directed verdict.  Middleton’s counsel has petitioned to be relieved as counsel, stating that she has reviewed the record and has concluded Middleton’s appeal is without merit.  Middleton has filed a pro se brief, raising issues of subject matter jurisdiction and ineffective assistance of counsel and alleging error in: admitting a confessional statement, admitting a photo lineup, denying requests to charge, overruling an objection during State’s opening statement, and admission of expert witness testimony. 

After a thorough review of the record pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738 (1967), and State v. Williams, 305 S.C. 116, 406 S.E.2d 357 (1991), we hold there are no directly appealable issues that are arguable on their merits.  Accordingly, we dismiss Middleton’s appeal and grant counsel’s petition to be relieved. [1]    

APPEAL DISMISSED.

GOOLSBY, HOWARD, and KITTREDGE, JJ., concur.   


[1] We decide this case without oral argument pursuant to Rule 215, SCACR.