Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-4_10-cv-00207/USCOURTS-azd-4_10-cv-00207-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 530
Nature of Suit: Prisoner Petitions - Habeas Corpus
Cause of Action: 28:2254 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (State)

---

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

MICHAEL LAWRENCE HARVEY,

Petitioner, 

vs.

CHARLES RYAN, et al.,

Respondents. 

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

No. CV-10-0207-TUC-CKJ (JCG)

ORDER

On September 28, 2011, Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Guerin issued a Report and

Recommendation (“R & R”) [Doc. 23] in which she recommended that this Court deny

Petitioner’s Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254. The R & R

provided that any party could file written objections within fourteen (14) days after being

served with a copy of the R & R. On January 13, 2012, Petitioner filed his Motion to Allow

Objection to Magistrate’s Report and Recommendation [Doc. 30]. On January 19, 2012, the

Court granted Petitioner’s motion and his Objection to Magistrate’s Report and

Recommendations [Doc. 33] was filed the same day. The Government filed its Response to

Petitioner’s Objections to Report and Recommendation of Magistrate Judge [Doc. 91] on

January 27, 2012.

I. STANDARD OF REVIEW

The Court reviews de novo the objected-to portions of the Report and

Recommendation. 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1); Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(b). The Court reviews for clear

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 1 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 2 -

error the unobjected-to portions of the Report and Recommendation. Johnson v. Zema

Systems Corp., 170 F.3d 734, 739 (7th Cir. 1999); See also, Conley v. Crabtree, 14

F.Supp.2d 1203, 1204 (D. Or. 1998).

II. FACTUAL BACKGROUND

The factual background contained in Magistrate Judge Guerin’s R & R [Doc. 23] is

uncontested. As such, it is adopted by reference herein.

III. ANALYSIS

Petitioner objects to the Magistrate Judge’s R & R [Doc. 23] on several grounds.

First, he asserts that the Magistrate Judge’s legal analysis regarding exhaustion incorrectly

concludes that he is not entitled to relief. See Pet.’s Obj. to Magistrate’s R & R [Doc. 33]

at 2. Second, Petitioner asserts that the Magistrate Judge’s findings regarding his failure to

present Grounds 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 , 12(a), 12(b), and 12(c) to the state court are incorrect. Id. at

3-4. Third, Petitioner urges that the Magistrate Judge incorrectly determined that he failed

to demonstrate “cause and prejudice” to overcome the exhaustion requirement. See id. at 4-5.

Fourth, Petitioner asserts that the Magistrate Judge erred in finding that the trial court

precluded witness testimony due to unreliability, and that he is entitled to an evidentiary

hearing because the Magistrate Judge failed to comment on the trail court’s refusal to grant

a trial continuance. Id. at 6-8. Fifth, Petitioner asserts that the Magistrate Judge erred by not

addressing the untimely motion to preclude expert witness. Id. at 8. Sixth, Petitioner finds

error in the Magistrate Judge’s “determin[ation] that Petitioner admitted to any prior

conviction[.]” Pet.’s Obj. To Magistrate’s R & R [Doc. 33] at 8. Seventh, Petitioner asserts

error regarding a finding that “Petitioner can be convicted of aggravated assault on a person

he didn’t know was a police officer nor didn’t assault.” Id. at 9. Finally, Petitioner urges that

trial counsel was ineffective for not investigating Petitioner’s Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

or “Al Cheney the man with knife[,]” because his closing arguments were poor, and he failed

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 2 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 3 -

to object to jury instructions. Id. at 10-11. Petitioner argues that the Magistrate Judge’s

findings to the contrary were in error. Id. For the reasons discussed below, Petitioner’s

contentions are without merit.

A. Exhaustion and Presentment

Petitioner takes issue with the Magistrate Judge’s legal analysis regarding exhaustion

and findings that he failed to present Grounds 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 , 12(a), 12(b), and 12(c) to the

state court. See Pet.’s Obj. to Magistrate’s R & R [Doc. 33] at 2-4.

1. Exhaustion of State Remedies

Prior to application for a writ of habeas corpus, a person in state custody must exhaust

all of the remedies available in the State courts. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(b)(1)(A). This “provides

a simple and clear instruction to potential litigants: before you bring any claims to federal

court, be sure that you first have taken each one to state court.” Rose v. Lundy, 455 U.S. 509,

520, 102 S.Ct. 1198, 1204, 71 L.Ed.2d 379 (1982). As such, the exhaustion doctrine gives

the State “the opportunity to pass upon and correct alleged violations of its prisoners’ federal

rights.” Baldwin v. Reese, 541 U.S. 27, 29, 124 S.Ct. 1347, 1349, 158 L.Ed.2d 64 (2004)

(internal quotations omitted). Moreover, “[t]he exhaustion doctrine is principally designed

to protect the state courts’ role in the enforcement of federal law and prevent disruption of

state judicial proceedings.” Rose v. Lundy, 455 U.S. at 518, 102 S.Ct. at 1203 (internal

citations omitted). This upholds the doctrine of comity which “teaches that one court should

defer action on causes properly within its jurisdiction until the courts of another sovereignty

with concurrent powers, and already cognizant of the litigation, have had an opportunity to

pass upon the matter.” Id. (quoting Darr v. Burford, 339 U.S. 200, 204, 70 S.Ct. 587, 590,

94 L.Ed. 761 (1950)).

Section 2254(c) provides that claims “shall not be deemed . . . exhausted” so long as

the applicant “has the right under the law of the State to raise, by any available procedure the

question presented.” 28 U.S.C. § 2254(c). “[O]nce the federal claim has been fairly

presented to the state courts, the exhaustion requirement is satisfied.” Picard v. Connor, 404

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 3 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 4 -

U.S. 270, 275, 92 S.Ct. 509, 512, 30 L.Ed.2d 438 (1971). The fair presentation requirement

mandates that a state prisoner must alert the state court “to the presence of a federal claim”

in his petition, simply labeling a claim “federal” or expecting the state court to read beyond

the four corners of the petition is insufficient. Baldwin v. Reese, 541 U.S. 27, 33, 124 S.Ct.

1347, 1351, 158 L.Ed.2d 64 (2004) (rejecting petitioner’s assertion that his claim had been

“fairly presented” because his brief in the state appeals court did not indicate that “he was

complaining about a violation of federal law” and the justices having the opportunity to read

a lower court decision addressing the federal claims was not fair presentation); Hivala v.

Wood, 195 F.3d 1098 (9th Cir. 1999), cert. denied, 529 U.S. 1009 (2000) (holding that

petitioner failed to exhaust federal due process issue in state court because petitioner

presented claim in state court only on state grounds). Furthermore, in order to “fairly

present” one’s claims, the prisoner must do so “in each appropriate state court.” Id. at 29,

124 S.Ct. at 1349. Additionally, “all operative facts to an ineffective assistance claim must

be presented to the state courts in order for a petitioner to exhaust his remedies.” Hemmerle

v. Schriro, 495 F.3d 1069, 1075 (9th Cir. 2007). This is “[b]ecause ineffective assistance

claims are not fungible, but are instead highly fact-dependent, [requiring] some baseline

explication of the facts relating to it[.]” Id.

“Generally, a petitioner satisfies the exhaustion requirement if he properly pursues a

claim (1) throughout the entire direct appellate process of the state, or (2) throughout one

entire judicial postconviction process available in the state.” Casey v. Moore, 386 F.3d 896,

916 (9th Cir. 2004) (quoting Liebman & Hertz, Federal Habeas Corpus Practice and

Procedure, §23.3b (4th ed. 1998)). In Arizona, however, for “cases not carrying a life

sentence or the death penalty, review need not be sought before the Arizona Supreme Court

in order to exhaust state remedies.” Swoopes v. Sublett, 196 F.3d 1008, 1010 (9th Cir. 1999);

see also Moreno v. Gonzalez, 192 Ariz. 131, 962 P.2d 205 (1998). Additionally, the

Supreme Court has further interpreted § 2254(c) to recognize that once the state courts have

ruled upon a claim, it is not necessary for an applicant to seek collateral relief for the same

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 4 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 5 -

issues already decided upon direct review. Castille v. Peoples, 489 U.S. 346, 350, 109 S.Ct.

1056, 1060, 103 L.Ed.2d 380 (1989).

2. Procedural default

“A habeas petitioner who has defaulted his federal claims in state court meets the

technical requirements for exhaustion; there are no state remedies any longer ‘available’ to

him.” Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722, 732, 111 S.Ct. 2546, 2555, 115 L.Ed.2d 640

(1991). Moreover, federal courts “will not review a question of federal law decided by a

state court if the decision of that court rests on a state law ground that is independent of the

federal question and adequate to support the judgment.” Id., 501 U.S. at 728, 111 S.Ct. at

2554. This is true whether the state law basis is substantive or procedural. Id. (citations

omitted). Such claims are considered procedurally barred from review. See Wainwright v.

Sykes, 433 U.S. 72, 97 S.Ct. 2497, 53 L.Ed.2d 594 (1977).

The Ninth Circuit explained the difference between exhaustion and procedural default

as follows:

The exhaustion doctrine applies when the state court has never been presented

with an opportunity to consider a petitioner’s claims and that opportunity may

still be available to the petitioner under state law. In contrast, the procedural

default rule barring consideration of a federal claim applies only when a state

court has been presented with the federal claim, but declined to reach the issue

for procedural reasons, or if it is clear that the state court would hold the claim

procedurally barred. Franklin v. Johnson, 290 F.3d 1223, 1230 (9th Cir. 2002)

(internal quotation marks and citations omitted). Thus, in some circumstances,

a petitioner’s failure to exhaust a federal claim in state court may cause a

procedural default. see Sandgathe v. Maass, 314 F.3d 371, 376 (9th Cir. 2002);

Beaty v. Stewart, 303 F.3d 975, 987 (9th Cir. 2002) (“A claim is procedurally

defaulted ‘if the petitioner failed to exhaust state remedies and the court to

which the petitioner would be required to present his claims in order to meet

the exhaustion requirement would now find the claims procedurally barred.’”

(quoting Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722, 735 n.1, 111 S.Ct. 2546, 115

L.Ed.2d 640 (1991))).

Cassett v. Stewart, 406 F.3d 614, 621 n.5 (9th Cir. 2005). Thus, a prisoner’s habeas petition

may be precluded from federal review due to procedural default in two ways. First, if the

petitioner presented his claims to the state court, which denied relief based on independent

and adequate state grounds. Coleman, 501 at 728, 111 S.Ct. at 2254. Federal courts are

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 5 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 6 -

prohibited from review in such cases because they have “no power to review a state law

determination that is sufficient to support the judgment, resolution of any independent federal

ground for the decision could not affect the judgment and would therefore be advisory.” Id.

Second, where a “petitioner failed to exhaust state remedies and the court to which the

petitioner would be required to present his claims in order to meet the exhaustion

requirement would now find the claims procedurally barred.” Id. at 735 n.1, 111 S.Ct. at

2557 n.1 (citations omitted). Thus, the federal court “must consider whether the claim could

be pursued by any presently available state remedy.” Cassett, 406 F.3d at 621 n.6 (quoting

Ortiz v. Stewart, 149 F.3d 923, 931 (9th Cir. 1998) (emphasis in original).

Where a habeas petitioner’s claims have been procedurally defaulted, the federal

courts are prohibited from subsequent review unless the petitioner can show cause and actual

prejudice as a result. Teague v. Lane, 489 U.S. 288, 298, 109 S.Ct. 1060, 1068, 103 L.Ed.2d

334 (1989) (holding that failure to raise claims in state appellate proceeding barred federal

habeas review unless petitioner demonstrated cause and prejudice); see also Smith v. Murray,

477 U.S. 527, 534, 106 S.Ct. 2661, 2666, 91 L.Ed.2d 434 (1986) (recognizing “that a federal

habeas court must evaluate appellate defaults under the same standards that apply when a

defendant fails to preserve a claim at trial.”). “[T]he existence of cause for a procedural

default must ordinarily turn on whether the prisoner can show that some objective factor

external to the defense impeded counsel’s efforts to comply with the State’s procedural rule.”

Murray v. Carrier, 477 U.S. 478, 488, 106 S.Ct. 2639, 2645, 91 L.Ed.2d 397 (1986); see also

Martinez-Villareal v. Lewis, 80 F.3d 1301, 1305 (9th Cir. 1996) (petitioner failed to offer any

cause “for procedurally defaulting his claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, [as such]

there is no basis on which to address the merits of his claims.”). In addition to cause, a

habeas petitioner must show actual prejudice, meaning that he “must show not merely that

the errors . . . created a possibility of prejudice, but that they worked to his actual and

substantial disadvantage, infecting his entire trial with error of constitutional dimensions.”

Murray, 477 U.S. at 494, 106 S.Ct. at 2648 (emphasis in original) (internal quotations

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 6 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 7 -

omitted). Without a showing of both cause and prejudice, a habeas petitioner cannot

overcome the procedural default and gain review by the federal courts. Id., 106 S.Ct. at

2649.

In Arizona, a petitioner’s claim may be procedurally defaulted where he has waived

his right to present his claim to the state court “at trial, on appeal or in any previous collateral

proceeding.” Ariz. R. Crim. P. 32.2(a)(3). “If an asserted claim is of sufficient constitutional

magnitude, the state must show that the defendant ‘knowingly, voluntarily and intelligently’

waived the claim.” Id., 2002 cmt. Neither Rule 32.2 nor the Arizona Supreme Court has

defined claims of “sufficient constitutional magnitude” requiring personal knowledge before

waiver. See id.; See also Stewart v. Smith, 202 Ariz. 446, 46 P.3d 1067 (2002). The Ninth

Circuit recognized that this assessment “often involves a fact-intensive inquiry” and the

“Arizona state courts are better suited to make these determinations.” Cassett, 406 F.3d at

622.

3. Ground Four, Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

a. Exhaustion of Ground Four

Petitioner’s Ground 4 asserts ineffective assistance of counsel due to counsel’s

“failure to understand, prove or argue good driving or reasonably argue against bad driving

or flight[.]” Petition [Doc. 1] at 11. Petitioner’s Ground 4 also includes allegations of

ineffective assistance of counsel due to a failure to call an “expert witness as to ‘high stress

situations’ and there [sic] effect on the mind and body” including “being hit at 45 M.P.H. by

a much heavier car directly into the side door.” Id. at 12. In their Answer [Doc. 13],

Defendants assert that the “list of nine specific deficiencies . . . were not presented to the

appellate court[]” and therefore Ground 4 is not exhausted. Answer [Doc. 13] at 15. The

magistrate judge found that Petitioner presented Ground 4 “only in his petition for review by

the Arizona Court of Appeals of the trial court’s denial of Petitioner’s Rule 32 petition.” R

& R [Doc. 23] at 8. As such, the magistrate judge found that Ground 4 was not fairly

presented, thereby concurring with Defendants that Petitioner had failed to exhaust Ground

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 7 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 8 -

4. Id. The magistrate judge further found Ground 4 was therefore procedurally defaulted.

Id. at 9.

This Court agrees regarding the expert witness testimony. See Moormann v. Schriro,

426 F.3d 1044, 1056-57 (9th Cir. 2005), cert. denied, 548 U.S. 927 (2006) (new allegations

of ineffective assistance of counsel not previously raised before the state court cannot be

addressed on habeas review). It disagrees, however, regarding “good driving” arguments.

Although Petitioner obliquely referenced trial counsel’s failure to “introduce[] []or argue[]

rebuttal evidence to substantiate that flight was not Petitioner’s state of mind.” Pet.’s Petition

for PCR, Defs.’ Answer [Doc. 13], Exh. “H” at 30. His Petition for Review to the Arizona

Court of Appeals directly addressed the issue of trial counsel’s “failure to understand, prove

or argue there was no bad driving (no flight) through the alley []as Strickland error[.] Defs.’

Answer [Doc. 13], Exh. “N” at 5-6. Moreover, the Arizona Court of Appeals squarely

addressed the issue in its February 26, 2009 Memorandum Decision. See Defs.’ Answer

[Doc. 13], Exh. “B” at ¶¶ 4-6. Accordingly, Petitioner fairly presented the portion of

Ground 4 related to “good driving” and “flight” to the Arizona state courts and it is

exhausted.

b. The Merits of Ground 4 Related to “Good Driving” and “Flight”

The federal courts shall “entertain an application for a write of habeas corpus in behalf

of a person in custody pursuant to the judgment of a State court only on the ground that he

is in custody in violation of the Constitution or laws or treaties of the United States.” 28

U.S.C. § 2254(a) (emphasis added). Moreover, a petition for habeas corpus by a person in

state custody:

shall not be granted with respect to any claim that was adjudicated on the

merits in State court proceedings unless the adjudication of the claim – (1)

resulted in a decision that was contrary to, or involved an unreasonable

application of, clearly established Federal law, as determined by the Supreme

Court of the United States; or (2) resulted in a decision that was based on an

unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in

the State court proceeding.

28 U.S.C. § 2254(d); see also Schriro v. Landrigan, 550 U.S. 465, 473-74, 127 S.Ct. 1933,

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 8 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 9 -

1939, 167 L.Ed.2d 836 (2007). Correcting errors of state law is not the province of federal

habeas corpus relief. Estelle v. McGuire, 502 U.S. 62, 67, 112 S.Ct. 475, 480, 116 L.Ed.2d

385 (1991). Ultimately, “[t]he statute’s design is to ‘further the principles of comity, finality,

and federalism.’” Panetti v. Quarterman, 551 U.S. 930, 945 , 127 S.Ct. 2842, 2854, 168

L.Ed.2d 662 (2007) (quoting Miller-El v. Cockrell, 537 U.S.322, 337, 123 S.Ct. 1029, 154

L.Ed.2d 931 (2003)).

The Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (“AEDPA”), 110 Stat.

1214, dictates the standards for federal habeas review. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254. “The Act

limits the ability of federal courts to reexamine questions of law and mixed questions of law

and fact.” Jeffries v. Wood, 114 F.3d 1484 (9th Cir. 1997). Federal courts reviewing a

petition for habeas corpus must “presume the correctness of state courts’ factual findings

unless applicants rebut this presumption with ‘clear and convincing evidence.’” Landrigen,

550 U.S. at 473-74, 127 S.Ct. at 1940 (citing 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(1)). Moreover, on habeas

review, the federal courts must consider whether the state court’s determination was

unreasonable, not merely incorrect. Id., 550 U.S. at 473-74, 127 S.Ct. at 1939. Such a

determination is unreasonable where a state court properly identifies the governing legal

principles delineated by the Supreme Court, but when the court applies the principles to the

facts before it arrives at a different result. See Williams v. Taylor, 529 U.S. 362, 120 S.Ct.

1495, 146 L.Ed.2d 389 (2000); See also Casey v. Moore, 386 F.3d 896, 905 (9th Cir. 2004).

The Supreme Court elucidated a two part test for determining whether a defendant

could prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel sufficient to overturn his

conviction. See Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674

(1984). First, Harvey must show that counsel’s performance was deficient. Id. at 687, 104

S.Ct. at 2064. “This requires showing that counsel made errors so serious that counsel was

not functioning as the ‘counsel’ guaranteed the defendant by the Sixth Amendment.” Id.

Second, Harvey must show that this performance prejudiced his defense. Id. Prejudice

“requires showing that counsel’s errors were so serious as to deprive the defendant of a fair

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 9 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 10 -

trial whose result is reliable.” Id. Ultimately, whether or not counsel’s performance was

effective hinges on its reasonableness under prevailing professional norms. Strickland, 466

U.S. at 688, 104 S.Ct. at 2065; See also State v. Carver, 160 Ariz. 167, 771 P.2d 1382 (1989)

(adopting Strickland two-part test for ineffective assistance of counsel claims). The Sixth

Amendment’s guarantee of effective assistance is not meant to “improve the quality of legal

representation,” rather it is to ensure the fairness of trial. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689, 104

S.Ct. at 2065.

“Judicial scrutiny of counsel’s performance must be highly deferential.” Id. Judging

counsel’s performance must be made without the influence of hindsight. See id. As such,

“the defendant must overcome the presumption that, under the circumstances, the challenged

action ‘might be considered sound trial strategy.’” Id. (quoting Michel v. Louisiana, 350 U.S.

91, 101, 76 S.Ct. 158, 164, 100 L.Ed. 83 (1955). Without the requisite showing of either

“deficient performance” or “sufficient prejudice,” Harvey cannot prevail on his

ineffectiveness claim. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 700, 104 S.Ct. at 2071. “[T]he question is not

whether counsel’s actions were reasonable. The question is whether there is any reasonable

argument that counsel satisfied Strickland’s deferential standard.” Gentry v. Sinclair, – F.3d

– , – (9th Cir. 2013), 2013 WL 174441 (quoting Harrington v. Richter, – U.S. – , – , 131

S.Ct. 770, 788, 178 L.Ed.2d 624 (2011)) (alterations in original).

Here, Petitioner asserts that Mr. Storts provided ineffective assistance by failing to

“understand, prove or argue good driving or reasonably argue against bad driving, flight[,]

. . . [and] failed to show no physical evidence to prove bad driving[.]” Petition [Doc. 1] at

11. Petitioner further asserts that Mr. Storts failed “to conduct pre-trial investigation” and

“failed to show no immediate flight as to reflect guilt[.]” Id. Petitioner asserts that the officer

testimony supports his contentions. Id. at 12.

The Arizona Court of Appeals February 26, 2009 Memorandum Decision

[Defendant’s Exh. B, Doc. 13-1] following review of Petitioner’s PCR Petition was based

on a reasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the State court

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 10 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

1

The Arizona Court of Appeals relied on state court precedent to determine the

propriety of the flight instruction, as well as in its assessment of counsel’s performance.

2

Additionally, the Court finds that Petitioner failed to demonstrate sufficient prejudice

to warrant a finding of ineffective assistance of counsel. Nothing before this Court suggests

that Petitioner did not receive “a fair trial whose result is reliable.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at

687, 104 S.Ct. at 2064.

- 11 -

proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(2). “By its terms § 2254(d) bars relitigation of any

claim ‘adjudicated on the merits’ in state court, subject only to the exceptions in 2254(d)(1)

and (d)(2).” Harrington v. Richter, – U.S. –, 131 S.Ct. 770, 784, 178 L.Ed.2d 624 (2011);

See also Johnson v. Williams, No. 11-465, slip. op. at 10, 568 U.S. – (2013) (holding that

where a state court rejects a federal claim, without expressly addressing the claim, it must be

presumed that the federal claim was adjudicated on the merits). The Arizona Court of

Appeals did not expressly rely on Strickland in its Memorandum Decision; however, its

holdings regarding the flight instruction, and recklessness are reasonable and supported by

the record.1

 As such, Petitioner cannot meet his burden to show that Mr. Stort’s performance

was so deficient that he was not acting as counsel per the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee. 

See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S.Ct. at 2064. Without deficient performance,

Petitioner’s ineffective assistance of counsel must fail.2

4. Ground Five, Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

a. Exhaustion of Ground Five

Petitioner’s Ground 5 asserts ineffective assistance of counsel due to counsel’s

“failure to understand and prove or argue criminal negligence fell below the standard of

care.” Petition [Doc. 1] at 13. Defendants concede that Ground 5 was exhausted; however,

assert the claim must fail because of the Arizona Court of Appeals conclusion that “Petitioner

failed to show that counsel’s performance was deficient . . . Moreover, Petitioner has not

asserted, much less demonstrated that, but for the alleged error, there is a reasonable

probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Answer [Doc. 13]

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 11 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 12 -

at 25-26. The magistrate judge found that Petitioner presented Ground 5 “only in his petition

for review by the Arizona Court of Appeals of the trial court’s denial of Petitioner’s Rule 32

petition.” R & R [Doc. 23] at 8. As such, the magistrate judge found that Ground 5 was not

fairly presented. Id. The magistrate judge further found Ground 5 was therefore

procedurally defaulted. Id. at 9.

This Court disagrees with the magistrate judge’s finding regarding exhaustion.

Petitioner referenced trial counsel’s failure to “request an instruction regarding criminal

negligence to argue for acquittal[]” in his PCR petition. Pet.’s Petition for PCR, Defs.’

Answer [Doc. 13], Exh. “H” at 30. Additionally, his Petition for Review to the Arizona

Court of Appeals directly addressed the issue stating “[t]rial counsel never understood that

criminal negligence, is a ‘complete defense’ to a reckless assault allegation.” Defs.’ Answer

[Doc. 13], Exh. “N” at 6. Petitioner alleges Strickland error because trial counsel “A) never

presented evidence or argued that Petitioner’s driving was no worse than negligence or

criminal negligence; B) never requested negligence or criminal negligence instructions as a

theory of defense; and, C) never addressed the state of mind or driving prior to the Speedway

accident.” Id. at 6-7 (emphasis in original). The Arizona Court of Appeals rejected

Petitioner’s arguments in its February 26, 2009 Memorandum Decision. See Defs.’ Answer

[Doc. 13], Exh. “B” at ¶ 7. Accordingly, Petitioner fairly presented Ground 5 to the Arizona

state courts and it is exhausted.

b. The Merits of Ground Five

The Arizona Court of Appeals February 26, 2009 Memorandum Decision

[Defendant’s Exh. B, Doc. 13-1] found Petitioner’s argument regarding a criminal negligence

instruction without merit. Defs.’ Answer [Doc. 13], Exh. “B” at ¶ 7. The court stated:

[N]egligence or criminal negligence is a “defense to reckless assault only in

that criminal negligence is a less culpable mental state 1recklessness. See

A.R.S. § 13-105(10)(c), (d). To prove the aggravated assault allegations, the

state was required to show that Harvey had acted intentionally, knowingly, or

recklessly. See §§ 13-1203, 13-1204. Trial counsel did not fall below

professional norms by failing to request an instruction on a mental state

inapplicable to the charges at issue. Nor did counsel perform deficiently by

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 12 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 13 -

failing to equate Harvey’s mental state to negligence or criminal negligence

in argument. Counsel’s argument addressed the state’s proof of the mental

state applicable to the crimes with which Harvey was charged. The trial court

did not abuse its discretion by denying relief on this claim following the

evidentiary hearing.

Id. In so holding, the Arizona Court of Appeals reasonably applied the Strickland standard

to Petitioner’s claim. The record is devoid of evidence “that counsel made errors so serious

that counsel was not functioning as the ‘counsel’ guaranteed the defendant by the Sixth

Amendment.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S.Ct. at 2064. Accordingly, Petitioner failed

to meet his burden that counsel’s performance was deficient. Id. Therefore, he cannot

prevail on his ineffectiveness claim. Id. at 700, 104 S.Ct. at 2071.

5. Ground Seven, Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

a. Exhaustion of Ground Seven

Petitioner’s Ground 7 asserts ineffective assistance of counsel for several alleged

violations, including:

#1 Counsel repeatedly failed to investigate, prepare or mount any defenses to

the charges.

#2 Failed to investigate or understand the prosecutions disclosure

#3 Failed to present favorable evidence and failed to object

#4 Counsel being in trial 80% of any twelve month period is beyond the

imagination and is the issue in this case.

#5 Failed to understand the evidence, necessary motion practice investigation

or defenses in Petitioner’s case, all due to his case load and lack of attention

to this one.

#6 The errors are logically explained by too many cases and too little time.

#7 Witness fimiliar [sic] with trial counsel verify the haphazard nature of his

practice.

#8 Trial counsel’s own words “I fimiliarize [sic] my self with case two weeks

before trial.”

#9 An expert witness verifies all of the above.

Petition [Doc. 1] at 15. Defendants assert that Petitioner’s “list of nine general unsupported

deficiencies that were not presented to the appellate court” are not exhausted. Answer [Doc.

13] at 15-16. The magistrate judge found that Petitioner failed to present Ground 7 “in either

his direct appeal or his Rule 32 proceedings.” R & R [Doc. 23] at 8. As such, the magistrate

judge found that Ground 7 was not fairly presented. Id. The magistrate judge further found

Ground 7 was therefore procedurally defaulted. Id. at 9.

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 13 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 14 -

This Court agrees, in part, with the magistrate judge’s finding regarding exhaustion.

See Moormann v. Schriro, 426 F.3d 1044, 1056-57 (9th Cir. 2005), cert. denied, 548 U.S. 927

(2006) (new allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel not previously raised before the

state court cannot be addressed on habeas review). In his Petition for Review from Denial

of Rule 32 Relief filed with the Arizona Court of Appeals, however, Petitioner sought relief

via an ineffective assistance of counsel claim predicated upon counsel’s caseload and trial

schedule. Pet.’s Petition for Review from Denial of Rule 32 Relief, Defs.’ Answer [Doc. 13],

Exh. “B” at 8. The Arizona Court of Appeals addressed this issue in its decision.

Memorandum Decision 2/26/2009, Defs.’ Answer [Doc. 13], Exh. “N” at ¶ 10. Accordingly,

Petitioner fairly presented the portion of Ground 7 related to trial counsel’s caseload and

trial counsel to the Arizona state courts and it is exhausted.

b. The Merits of Ground Seven Related to Counsel’s Caseload

Regarding Petitioner’s assertion of Strickland error related to counsel’s caseload and

trial schedule, the Arizona Court of Appeals February 26, 2009 Memorandum Decision

[Defendant’s Exh. B, Doc. 13-1] states:

Harvey has not identified below or in his petition for review any specific

instance wherein counsel’s case load allegedly interfered with his

representation in this case. Rather, he has offered only unsupported assertions

that counsel was “overwhelmed by a large caseload” and “generally

unprepared, disorganized, highly stressed, [and] in turmoil.” Regarding

counsel’s closing argument, Harvey lists several points he believes would have

been persuasive but that counsel failed to make about the evidence presented.

But he offers nothing to show the omissions constituted deficient performance

or that counsel’s failure to argue the points mentioned affected the outcome of

the case. Thus, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by summarily

dismissing this claim.

Id. In so holding, the Arizona Court of Appeals reasonably applied the Strickland standard

to Petitioner’s claim. As with Count Five, the record is devoid of evidence “that counsel

made errors so serious that counsel was not functioning as the ‘counsel’ guaranteed the

defendant by the Sixth Amendment.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S.Ct. at 2064. 

Accordingly, Petitioner failed to meet his burden that counsel’s performance was deficient,

and he cannot prevail on his ineffectiveness claim. Id. at 687-700, 104 S.Ct. at 2064-71.

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 14 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 15 -

6. Ground Nine, Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

a. Exhaustion of Ground Nine

Petitioner’s Ground 9 asserts ineffective assistance of counsel based upon counsel’s

“inadeqate [sic] investigation/presentation/argument of accident reconstruction evidence.”

Petition [Doc. 1] at 15. Defendants assert that Petitioner “did not raise it in his Petition for

Review to the Arizona Court of Appeals.” Answer [Doc. 13] at 16. The magistrate judge

found that Petitioner presented Ground 9 “only in his Rule 32 Petition.” R & R [Doc. 23]

at 8. As such, the magistrate judge found that Ground 9 was not fairly presented. Id. The

magistrate judge further found Ground 9 was therefore procedurally defaulted. Id. at 9.

This Court agrees with the magistrate judge’s finding regarding exhaustion and

procedural default. Petitioner’s Ground 9 has been procedurally defaulted, and this Court is

prohibited from subsequent review unless the petitioner can show cause and actual prejudice

as a result. Teague v. Lane, 489 U.S. 288, 298, 109 S.Ct. 1060, 1068, 103 L.Ed.2d 334

(1989) (holding that failure to raise claims in state appellate proceeding barred federal habeas

review unless petitioner demonstrated cause and prejudice). Petitioner has failed to meet his

burden to show “that some objective factor external to the defense impeded counsel’s efforts

to comply with the State’s procedural rule.” Murray v. Carrier, 477 U.S. 478, 488, 106 S.Ct.

2639, 2645, 91 L.Ed.2d 397 (1986); see also Martinez-Villareal v. Lewis, 80 F.3d 1301,

1305 (9th Cir. 1996) (petitioner failed to offer any cause “for procedurally defaulting his

claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, [as such] there is no basis on which to address the

merits of his claims.”). Neither has Petitioner demonstrated actual prejudice or actual

innocence. Murray, 477 U.S. at 494, 106 S.Ct. at 2648 (habeas petitioner “must show not

merely that the errors . . . created a possibility of prejudice, but that they worked to his actual

and substantial disadvantage, infecting his entire trial with error of constitutional

dimensions.” (emphasis in original) (internal quotations omitted)). Accordingly, Petitioner

is not entitled to review of Ground 9.

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 15 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 16 -

7. Ground Ten, Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

a. Exhaustion of Ground Ten

Petitioner’s Ground 10 asserts “that his Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments [sic]

[rights] which are guaranteed by the United States Constitution were violated by denying

[him] the right to a unanimous jury verdict” in his conviction for the aggravated assault of

Officer Faulk. Petition [Doc. 1] at 20. Defendants concede that Ground 10 was exhausted.

Answer [Doc. 13] at 16. The magistrate judge found that Petitioner “failed to present

Ground[] . . . 10 . . . in either his direct appeal or his Rule 32 proceedings.” R & R [Doc. 23]

at 8. As such, the magistrate judge found that Ground 10 was not fairly presented. Id. The

magistrate judge further found Ground 10 was therefore procedurally defaulted. Id. at 9.

This Court disagrees with the magistrate judge’s finding regarding exhaustion. In his

PCR Petition, Petitioner argued that “[s]eparate offenses must be charged as separate counts

to avoid the hazard of a non-unanimous jury verdict . . . [and] [t]he indictment was

duplicitous. . . . [This] duplicity makes the verdicts ‘void’ and requires relief.’” Pet.’s Partial

Pet. for PCR, Defs.’ Answer [Doc. 13], Exh. “H” at 26. Subsequently, in his Petition for

Review from Denial of Rule 32 Relief filed with the Arizona Court of Appeals, Petitioner

again sought relief arguing that “[s]eparate offenses must be charged as separate counts to

avoid the hazard of a non-unanimous jury verdict.” Pet.’s Petition for Review from Denial

of Rule 32 Relief, Defs.’ Answer [Doc. 13], Exh. “N” at 10. The Arizona Court of Appeals

addressed Petitioner’s arguments in its February 26, 2009 Memorandum Decision. See

Defs.’ Answer [Doc. 13], Exh. “B” at ¶ 9. Accordingly, Petitioner fairly presented Ground

10 to the Arizona state courts and it is technically exhausted.

This Court, however, is barred from reaching the merits of Petitioner’s Ground 10.

The Arizona Court of Appeals February 26, 2009 Memorandum Decision [Defendant’s Exh.

B, Doc. 13-1] found Petitioner’s argument regarding the indictments being “insufficient and

duplicitous” resulting in “at least potentially non-unanimous” jury verdicts “precluded

because Harvey waived them below and failed to assert them on appeal. Defs.’ Answer

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 16 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 17 -

[Doc. 13], Exh. “B” at ¶ 9. “[T]he procedural default rule barring consideration of a federal

claim applies only when a state court has been presented with the federal claim, but declined

to reach the issue for procedural reasons, or if it is clear that the state court would hold the

claim procedurally barred. Cassett v. Stewart, 406 F.3d 614, 621 n.5 (9th Cir. 2005) (citing

Franklin v. Johnson, 290 F.3d 1223, 1230 (9th Cir. 2002) (internal quotation marks and

citations omitted)). In light of the state court’s refusal to reach the merits of the issue based

on Petitioner’s waiver, Ground 10 is procedurally defaulted. As discussed in Section

III(A)(6)(a), supra, this Court is prohibited from subsequent review unless the petitioner can

show cause and actual prejudice as a result. Teague, 489 U.S. at 298, 109 S.Ct. at 1068.

Petitioner has failed to make any showing of cause or prejudice, and as such the Court finds

Ground 10 barred from review.

8. Ground Twelve (a), (b) and (c), Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

a. Exhaustion of Ground Twelve (a), (b) and (c)

Petitioner’s Ground 12(a), (b) & (c) asserts ineffective assistance of counsel for

several alleged violations, including:

a) Counsel’s failure to uphold promises in his opening statement that the jury

would hear from expert witnesses regarding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

(PTSD) and on hallucinogens;

b) Counsel’s failure to uphold promises in his opening statement that the jury

would hear from an expert witness regarding Officer Faulk using a “ramming

technique” thereby intentionally colliding with Petitioner;

c) Counsel’s failure to object regarding defense witnesses appearing in prison

clothes.

Petition [Doc. 1] at 22. Defendants concede that Grounds 12(a) & (b) are exhausted.

Answer [Doc. 13] at 17. Defendants assert that Ground 12(c) is procedurally defaulted. The

magistrate judge found that Petitioner failed to present Grounds 12(b) and 12(c) “in either

his direct appeal or his Rule 32 proceedings.” R & R [Doc. 23] at 8. The magistrate judge

further determined that Petitioner only presented Ground 12(a) “in his petition for review by

the Arizona Court of Appeals of the trial court’s denial of Petitioner’s Rule 32 Petition.” Id.

As such, the magistrate judge found that Grounds 12(a), 12(b) and 12(c) were not fairly

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 17 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 18 -

presented. Id. The magistrate judge further found Grounds 12(a), 12(b) and 12(c) were

therefore procedurally defaulted. Id. at 9.

This Court agrees, in part, with the magistrate judge’s finding regarding exhaustion.

Petitioner referenced trial counsel’s failure to 1) “present expert testimony that was promised

in the opening statement regarding Faulk’s driving technique being identical to a TPD

ramming technique” and 2) present expert testimony regarding PTSD, as outlined in his

opening statement in his PCR petition. Pet.’s Petition for PCR, Defs.’ Answer [Doc. 13],

Exh. “H” at 16, 19. Additionally, in his Petition for Review to the Arizona Court of Appeals,

Petitioner argued Strickland error because “trial counsel asserted Petitioner’s ‘state of mind’

was altered by PTSD . . . and promised expert testimony that Faulk utilized a TPD ramming

technique on Speedway[.] . . . No such evidence was presented.” Defs.’ Answer [Doc. 13],

Exh. “N” at 11. Finally, the trial court found that “Petitioner is precluded from seeking postconviction relief on the[] ground [regarding attire of certain defense witnesses] because [it]

ha[s] already been adjudicated, or could have been raised and adjudicated, in prior appeals

or Petitions for Post-Conviction Relief. Rule 32.2; State v. Curtis, 185 Ariz. 112, 912 P.2d

1341 (App. 1995).” Ruling 3/8/2007, Defs.’ Answer [Doc. 13], Exh. “J” at 5. As such,

Grounds 12(a) and 12(b) are exhausted, and this Court will consider the merits. Ground

12(c), however, is procedurally defaulted. As discussed in Section III(A)(6)(a), supra, this

Court is prohibited from subsequent review unless the petitioner can show cause and actual

prejudice as a result. Teague, 489 U.S. at 298, 109 S.Ct. at 1068. Petitioner has failed to

make any showing of cause or prejudice, and as such the Court finds Ground 12(c) barred

from review.

b. The Merits of Ground Twelve (a)

The Arizona Court of Appeals February 26, 2009 Memorandum Decision [Defs.’ Exh.

B, Doc. 13-1] found Petitioner’s argument regarding the preclusion of PTSD evidence

without merit. Defs.’ Answer [Doc. 13], Exh. “B” at ¶ 13. The court stated:

Regarding the PTSD evidence, Harvey contends trial counsel was ineffective

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 18 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 19 -

for failing to argue its relevance adequately, resulting in the court’s preclusion

of the evidence and counsel’s opening statement regarding expected PTSD

evidence becoming a “broken promise” to the jury. But there is nothing in the

record establishing that any different or additional argument from counsel

would have changed the trial court’s evidentiary ruling. Indeed, the summary

dismissal of this argument by the same judge who presided over the trial

suggests otherwise. This court affirmed the trial court’s evidentiary ruling on

appeal, explaining that “evidence of a defendant’s mental disorder short of

insanity is inadmissible either as an affirmative defense or to negate the mens

rea element of a crime.” Id. ¶ 30; see also State v. Mott, 187 Ariz. 536, 541,

931 P.3d 1046, 1051 (1997). And Harvey has not clearly argued ineffective

assistance of appellate counsel on this issue, but assuming he adequately did

so, he was failed to show he was prejudiced. Although trial counsel was

unable to present evidence he had mentioned in opening statement, the jury

was instructed to decide the case based on the evidence presented.

Id. In so holding, the Arizona Court of Appeals reasonably applied the Strickland standard

to Petitioner’s claim. The record is devoid of evidence “that counsel made errors so serious

that counsel was not functioning as the ‘counsel’ guaranteed the defendant by the Sixth

Amendment.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S.Ct. at 2064. Accordingly, Petitioner failed

to meet his burden that counsel’s performance was deficient. Id. Therefore, he cannot

prevail on his ineffectiveness claim as stated in Ground 12(a). Id. at 700, 104 S.Ct. at 2071.

c. The Merits of Ground Twelve (b)

The Arizona Court of Appeals February 26, 2009 Memorandum Decision

[Defendant’s Exh. B, Doc. 13-1] did not address the absence of testimony regarding Officer

Faulk using a “ramming technique.” See Defs.’ Answer [Doc. 13], Exh. “B.” “[T]here are

instances in which a state court may simply regard a claim as too insubstantial to merit

discussion.” Johnson v. Williams, No. 11-465, slip. op. at 9, 568 U.S. – (2013). Further,

“[w]hen a state court rejects a federal claim without expressly addressing that claim, a federal

habeas court must presume that the federal claim was adjudicated on the merits.” Id. at 10.

As such, the Court finds that Petitioner’s Strickland claim regarding Officer Faulk’s alleged

use of a ramming technique is without merit. The record is devoid of evidence “that counsel

made errors so serious that counsel was not functioning as the ‘counsel’ guaranteed the

defendant by the Sixth Amendment.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S.Ct. at 2064.

Moreover, Petitioner has failed to show that he suffered any prejudice. Accordingly,

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 19 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 20 -

Petitioner failed to meet his burden that counsel’s performance was deficient. Id. Therefore,

he cannot prevail on his ineffectiveness claim as stated in Ground 12(b). Id. at 700, 104 S.Ct.

at 2071.

B. Objections to Findings Regarding the Merits of Petitioner’s Claims

Petitioner takes issue with nearly all of the Magistrate Judge’s legal analysis. See

Pet.’s Obj. to Magistrate’s R & R [Doc. 33]. Petitioner’s contention are without merit.

1. Ground One

Petitioner asserts that “[t]he magistrate incorrectly concludes that court [sic] of

appeals correctly applied clearly established federal law by using Chambers v. Mississippi,

410 U.S. 284, 93 S.Ct. 1038 US (1973).” Pet.’s Obj. to Magistrate’s R & R [Doc. 33] at 5.

Petitioner further argues that Chia v. Cambra, 281 F.3d 1032 (9th Cir. 2002) is the

appropriate case. “[T]he only definitive source of clearly established federal law under AEDPA

is the holdings (as opposed to the dicta) of the Supreme Court as of the time of the state court

decision. [Williams v. Taylor, 529 U.S. 362, 412, 120 S.Ct. 1495, 1523, 146 L.Ed.2d 389 (2000).]

While circuit law may be ‘persuasive authority’ for purposes of determining whether a state court

decision is an unreasonable application of Supreme Court law, Duhaime v. Ducharme, 200 F.3d 597,

600-01 (9th Cir. 1999), only the Supreme Court’s holdings are binding on the state courts and only

those holdings need be reasonably applied.” Clark, 331 F.3d 1062, 1069 (emphasis in original), cert

denied, 540 U.S. 968, 124 S.Ct. 446, 157 L.Ed.2d 313 (2003), overruled in part on other grounds

by Lockyer v. Andrade, 538 U.S. 63, 123 S.Ct. 1166, 155 L.Ed.2d 144 (2003). Accordingly,

Petitioner’s objection is without merit.

Petitioner also objects to the magistrate judge’s “refus[al] to give opinion or

recomendation [sic] on the facts of trial court judge’s refusal to grant a continuance of trial

until Johnson could be found to testify[.]” Pet.’s Obj. to Magistrate’s R & R [Doc. 33] at 7.

The Arizona Court of Appeals in its December 23, 2003 Memorandum Decision [Defs.’ Exh.

“A,” Doc. 13-1] from Petitioner’s direct appeal stated:

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 20 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

3

As stated above, this is the second prong of 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d). The first involves “the

unreasonable application of, clearly established Federal law[.]” 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(1).

- 21 -

Nothing in the record indicates that Johnson could have been found with a

longer continuance. The record does not show that Harvey had attempted to

keep in touch with Johnson during the prior continuances. In fact, it shows

Harvey had not even informed Johnson of the new trial date. Although the

trial court denied the continuance, it ruled that Harvey could call Johnson as

a witness if Johnson were found before trial ended. Accordingly, we find no

prejudice or abuse of discretion in the court’s denial of a continuance.

Id. at ¶ 21. In a habeas proceeding “a determination of a factual issue made by a State court

shall be presumed to be correct.” 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(1). Moreover, habeas relief shall not

be granted unless the State court proceeding “resulted in a decision that was based on an

unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the State court

proceeding.”3

 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(2); Cullen v. Pinholster, – U.S. – , 131 S.Ct. 1388, 1398,

179 L.Ed.2d 557 (2011) (the “highly deferential standard for evaluating state-court rulings,

which demands that state-court decisions be given the benefit of the doubt.” (quoting

Woodford v. Visciotti, 537 U.S. 19, 24, 123 S.Ct. 357, 154 L.Ed.2d 279 (2002)). Petitioner

has failed to meet his burden. The Arizona Court of Appeals reasonably determined the facts

in light of the evidence presented in the State court proceeding. As such, the magistrate

judge’s findings regarding the merits of Ground 1 are adopted.

2. Ground Two

Petitioner objects to the Magistrate Judge “not responding to or giving

recommendation . . . [regarding] the untimely motion to preclude expert witness filed by the

State in the middle of trial which destroyed Petitioner’s defense.” Pet.’s Obj. to Magistrate’s

R & R [Doc. 33] at 8. Petitioner also argues that the expert was not “only going to testify on

P.T.S.D. . . . [but] could have and would have negated ‘flight’ which States [sic] attorney

relied heavily on for guilty verdict.” Id. Petitioner’s claims are without merit. The

Magistrate Judge’s order correctly considered the merits of Ground 2. Moreover, the record

does not support Petitioner’s contention that Dr. St. Germaine’s testimony would establish

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 21 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 22 -

flight. Accordingly, the magistrate’s findings and conclusions are adopted here.

3. Ground Three

Petitioner objects to the Magistrate Judge’s determinations regarding prior

convictions. Pet.’s Obj. to Magistrate’s R & R [Doc. 33] at 8-9. The Magistrate Judge

correctly assessed the merits of Ground 3. Petitioner’s contentions are without merit. 

Accordingly, the magistrate’s findings and conclusions are adopted.

4. Ground Six

Petitioner objects to the Magistrate Judge’s determinations regarding his aggravated

assault conviction on Officer Faulk. Pet.’s Obj. to Magistrate’s R & R [Doc. 33] at 9. The

Magistrate Judge fully and accurately assessed the merits of Ground 6. Petitioner’s

contentions are without merit. Accordingly, the magistrate’s findings and conclusions are

adopted.

5. Ground Eight

Petitioner objects to the Magistrate Judge’s determinations regarding his ineffective

assistance of counsel claim regarding counsel’s failure to adequately investigate Petitioner’s

PTSD defense. Pet.’s Obj. to Magistrate’s R & R [Doc. 33] at 9-10. The Magistrate Judge

fully and accurately assessed the merits of Ground Eight. Petitioner’s contentions are

without merit. Accordingly, the magistrate’s findings and conclusions are adopted.

6. Ground Eleven

Petitioner objects to the rejection of his ineffective assistance of counsel claim

regarding counsel’s failure to investigate Al Cheney. Pet.’s Obj. to Magistrate’s R & R

[Doc. 33] at 10. The Magistrate Judge fully and accurately assessed the merits of Ground

10. Petitioner’s contentions are without merit. Accordingly, the magistrate’s findings and

conclusions are adopted.

7. Ground Twelve(d)

Petitioner objects to the rejection of his ineffective assistance of counsel claim

regarding counsel’s closing arguments. Pet.’s Obj. to Magistrate’s R & R [Doc. 33] at 11.

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 22 of 23
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 - 23 -

The Magistrate Judge fully and accurately assessed the merits of Ground 12(d). Petitioner’s

contentions are without merit. Accordingly, the magistrate’s findings and conclusions are

adopted.

8. Ground Twelve(e)

Petitioner objects to the rejection of his ineffective assistance of counsel claim

regarding counsel’s failure “to object to jury instructions of flight and recklessness and/or

his failure to request jury instruction on negligence or criminal negligence.” Pet.’s Obj. to

Magistrate’s R & R [Doc. 33] at 11. The Magistrate Judge fully and accurately assessed the

merits of Ground 12(e). Petitioner’s contentions are without merit. Accordingly, the

magistrate’s findings and conclusions are adopted.

IV. CONCLUSION

Accordingly, after an independent review, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. The Report and Recommendation [Doc. 23] is ADOPTED in part;

2. Petitioner’s Petition Under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 for a Writ of Habeas Corpus by

a Person in State Custody [Doc. 1] is DENIED;

3. The Clerk of the Court shall enter judgment in this matter, and close its file.

DATED this 28th day of June, 2013.

Case 4:10-cv-00207-CKJ Document 35 Filed 07/01/13 Page 23 of 23