Opinion ID: 657348
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Defense Counsel's Motion to Withdraw

Text: 36 Walker contends that the district court deprived him of a fair trial by denying defense counsel's motion to withdraw due to sworn difficulties. Attorney-client conflicts only justify the grant of a substitution motion when 'counsel and defendant are so at odds as to prevent presentation of an adequate defense.'  United States v. Morrison, 946 F.2d 484, 498 (7th Cir.1991) (quoting United States v. Hillsberg, 812 F.2d 328, 333 (7th Cir.1987), cert. denied, 481 U.S. 1041, 107 S.Ct. 1981, 95 L.Ed.2d 821 (1987)). In support of his argument, Walker notes that he and his counsel had philosophical differences, that counsel urged him to stipulate to the prosecution's evidence even though he believed in his innocence, and that he heard counsel express a desire to dump him on another lawyer. According to Walker, the trial court erred by urging appointed counsel to continue under these circumstances. 37 Walker's argument on appeal contradicts the desire he expressed in the district court. The record reveals that Walker was present when the district court considered defense counsel's motion to withdraw. In support of her motion, counsel stated that she and her client had difficulty communicating, but noted that the approaching trial date would make it difficult for another attorney unfamiliar with the case. 2-28-91 Tr. 2-3. The trial judge then asked Walker if he was satisfied with his attorney's services and if he desired another attorney to be appointed. Id. at 3. Walker responded that he was only partly satisfied with his attorney's services, but said that he did not want his counsel replaced with another attorney. Id. at 3-4. 38 The trial judge did not urge Walker's attorney to continue but did advise him to cooperate with his counsel, but only after Walker stated that he did not want another attorney. After choosing to retain his attorney, Walker cannot complain now that the court acted unfairly in denying defense counsel's motion to withdraw. 39 Although Walker and his attorney may have had a strained relationship, he has made no showing that the difficulties they had prevented her from presenting an adequate defense. Absent such a showing, the trial court's refusal to grant his counsel's motion to withdraw did not violate Walker's Sixth Amendment right to counsel. Bae v. Peters, 950 F.2d 469, 477 (7th Cir.1991). Accordingly, we cannot reverse his conviction on this ground. 40 AFFIRMED.