Opinion ID: 1442039
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 20

Heading: Attempted Rape of Mrs. Vasquez

Text: The jury found defendant guilty of attempted rape of Mrs. Vasquez, but found the attempted rape special circumstance not true. (14) Defendant contends that defense counsel was ineffective for failing to object to use of the attempted rape as an aggravating circumstance in light of the jury's finding the attempted rape special circumstance not true. Defense counsel did not object to this. Defendant contends that counsel's failure to object constituted ineffective assistance of counsel. Defendant's contention fails. The evidence was properly admitted as a circumstance of the crime pursuant to section 190.3, factor (a). The fact that the jury found the special circumstance not true does not invalidate the guilt verdict returned on the attempted rape charge. The attempted rape was clearly encompassed within the authority to consider the nature and circumstance of the present offense under factor (a) of section 190.3.