AUGUSTA -- A man serving a prison term for shooting a sheriff's deputy told a judge Tuesday he was unaware he was giving up appeal rights when he pleaded "no contest" two years ago to the charge of aggravated assault.

Bobby Miller, 31, formerly of Winslow, testified Tuesday in a post-conviction review hearing held in Kennebec County Superior Court.

He wore a blue work shirt and blue jeans, the standard uniform for men in the state prison system.

Miller was sentenced in October 2006 to 10 years in prison, with all but four years suspended.

He is appealing his conviction and sentence, claiming ineffective assistance of counsel.

Attorney Verne Paradie Jr. represented Miller at the review hearing as a half dozen people in the courtroom watched.

A trial in April 2006 on the charge of aggravated assault in the shooting of Deputy Christopher Chase, resulted in a hung jury.

The same jury, however, found Miller guilty of reckless conduct, domestic assault, unlawful possession of drugs and criminal threatening.

Miller then pleaded guilty to the aggravated assault charge in October 2006, when authorities indicated they had new evidence and planned to charge him with several other felonies, including tampering with witnesses.

Assistant District Attorney Paul Rucha asked Miller whether he recalled being told by Justice Nancy Mills that by entering a no-contest plea he was giving up his appeal rights.

Miller said he heard but didn't understand.

"I don't remember what I said that day," Miller said.

Justice John Nivison heard testimony from Miller and from Ronald Bourget, the attorney who represented Miller at the original trial.

Nivison took the matter under advisement and indicated he would enter a ruling later.

Betty Adams -- 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com