Opinion ID: 2633236
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Counsel's failure to request psychological evaluations of the victims

Text: Avery next contends his counsel was ineffective for failing to request psychological evaluations of the victims. Avery failed to demonstrate either a compelling need for such an examination [27] or that the results of such an examination would have influenced his decision to plead guilty. In determining whether a compelling need exists, the trial court must consider: (1) whether little or no corroboration of the offense exists beyond the victim's testimony, and (2) whether there is a reasonable basis `for believing that the victim's mental or emotional state may have affected his or her veracity.' [28] Avery failed to allege the State had or intended to benefit from psychological expert testimony. Avery also failed to demonstrate a compelling need: Avery's own statements in this case corroborated the allegations. He alleges no facts to show the victims' mental or emotional states affected their veracity; instead, he merely speculates that the prior abuse and neglect the victims suffered and the counseling they were undergoing made their statements inherently unreliable. Because a motion for court-ordered psychological evaluations of the victims would not have been granted, counsel was not deficient for failing to request such an examination. Avery also failed to demonstrate the requisite prejudice, i.e., that, but for his counsel's failure to seek psychological examinations of the victims, he would not have pleaded guilty and would have insisted on going to trial.