Opinion ID: 2598757
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Ineffective Cross-examination of the Victim

Text: [¶ 21] Barkell likewise criticizes the cross-examination of BV in a general way but fails to elucidate any failings that fall below the standard of a reasonably competent attorney, especially any that were likely to have changed the outcome of the trial. Becker, ¶ 12. [¶ 22] Barkell's counsel, on cross-examination of BV, exposed some minor inconsistencies in BV's testimony and the potential motivation for her to fabricate the allegations, both of which points he brought to the attention of the jury during closing. Any additional inconsistencies developed by Barkell with the advantage of 20/20 hindsight would not have changed the outcome of the trial. The jury's rejection of the defense strategy does not necessarily demonstrate ineffective assistance of counsel but merely a defense strategy that the jury did not accept. [¶ 23] Whether to cross-examine and the extent of cross-examination are strategic decisions. The risk of excessive cross-examination is that the witness may reconcile inconsistencies, additional unfavorable testimony may be elicited, and ineffective efforts to attack credibility may in fact enhance the witness's testimony. Smith v. State, 959 P.2d 1193, 1198 (Wyo.1998). Speculation as to how the cross-examination could have been conducted differently does not meet the Strickland test for ineffective assistance. Cutbirth, 751 P.2d at 1266.