Opinion ID: 2240218
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Failure to Give Final Argument

Text: Finally, Sparks argues that his counsel was ineffective for failing to make a final argument. Counsel's testimony at the post-conviction hearing indicated that, though he did not recall the specific circumstances in this case, he sometimes waived closing statements to prevent further rebuttal by the State, to emphasize the weakness of the State's case, or for other strategic reasons. Waiver of opening statements may reasonably be based on tactical considerations. Bevill v. State (1985), Ind., 472 N.E.2d 1247. Waiver of closing statements may similarly be a tactical decision. Noting that counsel could not cite specific reasons for his decision in this case, appellant argues that the failure to explain the reason for the decision should create a presumption that the act or ommission was unreasonable. Such a presumption, he maintains, would discourage what could become an epidemic of memory loss by trial counsel. We reject such a presumption and the rationale it implies. We recognize that most criminal defense attorneys, many of whom serve as public defenders, carry a large case load. Under these circumstances, it is not unbelievable or incredible that counsel could not recall details from a case six years later. Moreover, we are confident that an attorney testifying under oath does so to the best of his knowledge and recollection. Counsel's decisions in this case were strategic choices based on professional judgment. Appellant has not shown prejudice which would render the result of his trial unreliable. We therefore conclude that the trial court correctly found that Sparks received effective assistance of counsel.