Opinion ID: 2062476
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Failure to Prepare Sentencing Witnesses

Text: We have already dealt with the general allegation of Daneman's failure to prepare witnesses in part I.A.2, supra. In his brief, Gilliam complains specifically about Daneman's failure to prepare Dr. Shapiro, a psychologist who testified at Gilliam's sentencing to his opinion that Gilliam was substantially impaired at the time of the murder. Gilliam's specific allegations regarding Dr. Shapiro's testimony are as follows: Although Daneman knew that Shapiro, a psychologist, anticipated having a limited role in the sentencing presentation, Daneman never informed him that the psychiatrist upon whom he relied, Dr. McDaniel, had declined to testify. Despite the fact that Shapiro had, at Daneman's request, prepared a memorandum suggesting questions for Daneman to ask, Daneman asked the one critical question that Shapiro was not prepared for, namely, whether Petitioner was `substantially impaired' at the time of the crime. Shapiro answered that he was but explained at the post conviction hearing that, had he known that question would be asked of him, Shapiro would have insisted on `substantially more interviews' and investigation on which to base his opinion. Even worse was Daneman's failure to advise Shapiro that if Shapiro testified, the State would rebut his testimony with that of Dr. Siebert, who would testify that Petitioner was antisocial and dangerous. Had Shapiro known that Siebert would so testify, he would have advised Daneman not to call him as a witness. Daneman was able to elicit a favorable opinion in mitigation of sentence from Dr. Shapiro that Gilliam was substantially impaired at the time of the murder. This was an opinion that up to that point no other expert was able to express, as well as an opinion to which Dr. Shapiro had not anticipated testifying. We fail to see how Daneman rendered ineffective assistance in the manner in which he elicited this favorable opinion from Dr. Shapiro.