Opinion ID: 1987342
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Failure to advise Williams of his right to testify

Text: Williams claims the motion court clearly erred in overruling, after an evidentiary hearing, his claim that counsel was ineffective for not allowing him to testify during the penalty phase. Williams alleges he was prejudiced because he was the only person who could have explained to the jury how he came to possess the victim's husband's laptop computer and that Laura Asaro had participated in Gayle's murder. Williams argues that the motion court clearly erred in finding that he was, in fact, informed of his right to testify because both of his trial attorneys testified that they did not recall discussing with Williams his right to testify during the penalty phase. At the evidentiary hearing, both of Williams' trial attorneys testified and Williams' testimony was offered through his deposition. The motion court found that Williams' testimony that he was not informed of his right to testify was not credible because both of his attorneys were experienced in capital cases and it was standard practice for both attorneys to advise their capital clients of their right to testify. The motion court also found that Williams was present at voir dire during which both the guilt and penalty phases were explained. The record supports the motion court's finding that Williams was informed that he had a right to testify during the penalty phase. The court did not clearly err in denying this claim.