Opinion ID: 2614790
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Effective Counsel.

Text: Appellant next contends that he was denied the effective assistance of counsel by virtue of his failure to request a preliminary examination after the frustration of the plea negotiations. It is settled in this state that a defendant is denied the effective assistance of counsel where counsel's conduct has reduced the proceedings to a sham, a farce, or a pretense. Shuman v. State, 94 Nev. 265, 272, 578 P.2d 1183, 1187 (1978). There is a strong presumption that counsel has fully discharged his duties. Warden v. Lischko, 90 Nev. 221, 223, 523 P.2d 6, 7 (1974). In the instant case, it was apparent prior to, and immediately after appellant entered his pleas of not guilty, that appellant wished to have a preliminary examination. Even though we do not approve of counsel's failure to insure that appellant was afforded the benefit of this important procedural device, nevertheless, counsel was present at each appearance of the accused, was well prepared at trial, attempted to have the plea bargain reinstated, filed a motion to dismiss the charges, and conducted vigorous cross-examination of witnesses at trial. Under these circumstances, we cannot say that counsel's isolated failure to act reduced the proceedings below to a sham, a farce or a pretense. We find no merit to this contention.