Opinion ID: 171981
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Ms. Erickson's Ineffective-assistance Claim

Text: Finally, Ms. Erickson contends that her trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance by failing to use Exhibit 4-B to cross-examine McCurdy. We decline to address the issue. As the Supreme Court has stated, [I]n most cases a motion brought under [28 U.S.C.] § 2255 is preferable to direct appeal for deciding claims of ineffective assistance. Massaro v. United States, 538 U.S. 500, 504, 123 S.Ct. 1690, 155 L.Ed.2d 714 (2003). Even before Massaro this circuit had held that it is never necessary to bring an ineffectiveness claim on direct appeal because collateral proceedings under 28 U.S.C. § 2255 are almost always preferable. We explained: A factual record must be developed in and addressed by the district court in the first instance for effective review. Even if evidence is not necessary, at the very least counsel accused of deficient performance can explain their reasoning and actions, and the district court can render its opinion on the merits of the claim. United States v. Galloway, 56 F.3d 1239, 1240 (10th Cir.1995) (en banc) (footnote omitted). We see no reason here to depart from the general rule that ineffective-assistance claims should not be addressed on direct appeal.