Opinion ID: 2612525
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Failure to present penalty phase evidence.

Text: Howard contends that his attorneys were ineffective because they failed to present evidence to corroborate Howard's testimony at the penalty phase of his trial. Howard insists that he offered to sign releases so that his attorneys could get his records proving that: (1) he received an honorable discharge from the Marines; (2) he received a Purple Heart medal while in Vietnam; (3) he had severe mental problems; and (4) he had a good jail record. Howard's attorneys testified that Howard refused to sign releases for these records. The court believed Howard's attorneys rather than Howard. On matters of credibility this court will not reverse a trial court's finding absent a clear showing that the court reached the wrong conclusion. See King v. State, 87 Nev. 537, 490 P.2d 1054 (1971). While we are troubled that no records of any type were presented by Howard during the penalty phase, there is no showing that the court ruled incorrectly. Therefore, Howard's argument that his attorneys were ineffective because they failed to get records to corroborate his testimony is without merit. Finally, Howard claims that his attorneys were ineffective because they offered, aside from his own testimony, no mitigating evidence to the jury. We disagree. First, there is evidence that Howard did not want mitigating evidence presented to the jury. Second, the court found that Howard frustrated his attorneys' attempts to present mitigating evidence. Third, Howard fails to state what additional mitigating evidence, aside from his own testimony, his attorneys should have provided the court. Fourth, the decision as to what mitigating evidence to put forth is a tactical decision based on many factors. Tactical decisions are virtually unchallengeable absent extraordinary circumstances. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 691, 104 S.Ct. at 2066. We find no extraordinary circumstances in the instant case.