Opinion ID: 510995
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Miller's Contentions

Text: 39 During opening statement, the prosecutor indicated that after Miller was arrested Miller retained the services of the attorney [he] had provided for his minions. The Government also introduced as an exhibit a letter that contained the name and address of the law firm where Miller's attorney was employed. Counsel failed to object to either occurrence, and thus, we consider Miller's contention under the plain error rule. See United States v. O'Connell, 841 F.2d 1408, 1429 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 108 S.Ct. 2857, 101 L.Ed.2d 893 (1988). After review, we find no basis for reversal. 40 Miller next contends two other instances of misconduct occurred during the questioning of Government witnesses. While stating the names listed in Miller's personal notebook, a witness revealed the first name of Miller's trial counsel and his telephone numbers. Further, in response to a question by the prosecutor regarding what Miller did while out on bond, another witness indicated that Miller sold drugs in order to pay his attorney's fees. Defense counsel objected in both instances. 41 We find no reversible error. First, we do not believe the evidence implicated Miller's trial attorney as the one hired to represent other members of the conspiracy, and contrary to Miller's claim, his counsel was not identified as a member of the conspiracy. Counsel's very presence at the trial indicated to the jury that Miller had previously contacted counsel to represent him. Thus, it cannot be deemed prejudicial for the jury to have known Miller had counsel's name and telephone numbers in his notebook. 42 Second, with regard to the statement about Miller's efforts to pay his legal fees, the witness did not indicate counsel asked or suggested that Miller engage in selling drugs. The statement referred only to Miller's conduct and not to that of his counsel. In addition, the court sustained counsel's objection and promptly instructed the jury to disregard the statement.