Opinion ID: 1654600
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 16

Heading: WHETHER COUNSEL WAS INEFFECTIVE IN FAILING TO OBJECT TO McGILBERRY'S APPEARANCE IN SHACKLES.

Text: ¶ 34. As previously discussed, McGilberry has submitted only the unsworn affidavit of an alternate juror who was released from service prior to deliberation. There can be no prejudice based on a showing that only a non-deliberating juror saw McGilberry in shackles. It has been held that the brief and inadvertent exposure to jurors of defendants in handcuffs is not so inherently prejudicial as to require a mistrial and that defendants bear the burden of affirmatively demonstrating prejudice. United States v. Diecidue, 603 F.2d 535, 549 (5th Cir.1979). McGilberry has shown no such merit, and appellate counsel cannot be faulted for not raising the issue on direct appeal. This issue is without merit.