In Julian v. State, 966 P.2d 249, 253-54 (Utah 1999), the petitioner, a convicted sex offender, applied for postconviction relief beyond the statutory limitations period. 966 P.2d at 251. The district court held that, even if the petition were untimely, it would proceed to consider the merits based on the "interests of justice" exception in the statute of limitations. Id. On appeal, the State argued, as it does now, that this exception should apply only under "truly exceptional circumstances" in order to lessen the burden on the state. Id. at 254. The Court disagreed and affirmed the lower court's decision, holding that "proper consideration of meritorious claims raised in a habeas corpus petition will always be in the interests of justice." Id.