Opinion ID: 2583976
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Fear-of-retaliation evidence

Text: Lara contends that trial counsel provided ineffective assistance by failing to object to the introduction of evidence that certain of the State's witnesses made inconsistent statements to police investigators out of fear of retaliation. We disagree and conclude that counsel's decisions concerning this evidence involved sound strategy, which permitted counsel wide latitude in impeaching the witnesses with the inconsistent statements. The State presented the fear-of-retaliation evidence based on Lay v. State. [15] In that case, we held that fright or general concern for one's safety could provide an explanation to the jury as to why a witness made prior inconsistent statements. As noted, during the State's case-in-chief, Angel Arroyo and Jonathan Episioco testified that they provided inconsistent statements during the police investigation because they feared retaliation by Lara or other 18th Street Gang members. Trial counsel objected to some of this testimony but vigorously impeached these witnesses based upon later statements that they were not afraid of Lara. We hold that the district court properly admitted the fear-of-retaliation evidence; accordingly, any failure to object could not constitute ineffective representation. Further, trial counsel utilized tactical and strategic approaches during direct and cross-examination of trial witnesses in an effort to undermine the State's evidence. Finally, as noted, Arroyo, Episioco and two neighbors identified Lara as the shooter. Thus, Lara satisfies neither prong of Strickland.