Opinion ID: 4527002
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Jackson’s Failure to Testify

Text: Next, Jackson alleges that Swift convinced him not to testify and thus provided ineffective assistance. “[W]e consistently have affirmed that a defense counsel’s decision not to call a witness is a virtually unchallengeable decision of trial strategy.” Orr, 636 F.3d at 955 (internal quotations omitted). Jackson certainly knew he could testify because the trial record reveals the district court discussed with Jackson his right to testify or to refuse to testify. To be sure, Swift did discourage Jackson from testifying. He did so, however, based on its enabling of the government to cross-examine Jackson. Jackson told the district court at one point that he planned to testify, showing that Swift did not prevent Jackson from testifying. In fact, Jackson himself later told the district court that he decided not to testify. Accordingly, Swift -8- did not render ineffective assistance of counsel when he advised Jackson not to testify.