Opinion ID: 1882598
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Ineffective Assistance for Failing to Ensure Petitioner's Presence at Jury Selection

Text: Suggs claims that his trial counsel was ineffective for waiving Suggs' right to be present during certain portions of jury selection. While Suggs was absent, both parties made stipulations to strike three jurors for cause based on their answers to the jury questionnaire. When Suggs rejoined the proceedings, the trial judge explained everything that had occurred outside of his presence, asked if he had any questions, and gave Suggs an opportunity to confer with his counsel. The postconviction court denied postconviction relief because Suggs failed to provide sufficient facts illustrating prejudice or how the outcome of his trial may have been different. State v. Suggs, No. 90-0338-CF, at 12 (Fla. 1st Cir. Ct. order filed March 17, 2000). Suggs' brief in this appeal states that counsel's failure to ensure Suggs' presence at the jury proceedings prejudiced Mr. Suggs' right to a fair trial and denied him the right to be meaningfully involved in the defense of his case. Initial Brief of Appellant at 83. However, Suggs does not explain how the alleged deficiency prejudiced the outcome of his trial. We do note that two of the three prospective jurors who were struck for cause admitted they had already formed an opinion that Suggs was guilty. Because Suggs did not provide any basis for finding prejudice, the postconviction court's order denying the claim is affirmed.