Opinion ID: 2192624
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: alleged dual representation.

Text: Appellant alleged that his father was having both an illicit sexual relationship and drug dealings with Cathy Scruggs, and theorized that Scruggs was the murderer. On the morning of Bill Turner's murder, Scruggs had been arrested on narcotics charges and blood was found on a bed frame and mattress in her residence. However, the blood on the bed was tested and no match was found. Scruggs's narcotics charge was still pending as of the date of Appellant's trial. Appellant attempted to call Scruggs as a witness. Because Appellant's attorney also represented Scruggs on the narcotics charge, another attorney was appointed to advise Scruggs of her Fifth Amendment rights. After consulting with appointed counsel, Scruggs refused to testify and was not called as a witness. Appellant now claims that the fact that he and Scruggs were both represented by the same attorney triggered the requirement of RCr 8.30(1) that the trial judge advise him of the fact of dual representation and the possibility of a conflict of interest. RCr 8.30(1) applies only when two persons represented by the same counsel are accused of the same offense or of offenses arising out of the same incident or series of related incidents. Scruggs was never charged with Bill Turner's murder. Appellant's trial counsel represented her on an unrelated narcotics charge and any possible conflict of interest was avoided by the appointment of independent counsel to advise Scruggs of her rights. Presumably, the result would have been the same had Appellant been represented by different counsel and Scruggs been advised of her rights by her own attorney. RCr 8.30(1) has no application to these facts. Accordingly, the judgment of conviction and the sentence imposed by the Allen Circuit Court are affirmed. All concur.