Opinion ID: 1089522
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Argument SixFailure to Call Witnesses in Sentencing Phase

Text: Attorney Blanche testified that he interviewed several people concerning the sentencing phase of trial, including a priest, a psychologist, a medical doctor, a medical student, and Mrs. Carole Wunderlich in whose home Berry had lived. Attorney Blanche came to a reasonable conclusion that there were no witnesses who would be helpful to his client. While Mrs. Wunderlich would have testified that defendant was a good worker and a trusted friend, she would have had to admit that Berry smoked pot and had received an undesirable discharge from military service. It is difficult to second guess a defense attorney on a decision not to call a witness who has some favorable things to say but would corroborate other unfavorable things. Attorney Blanche did not fail in his duty by not calling Mrs. Wunderlich. As to defendant's mother, Blanche allegedly erred when he attempted to call her to the stand during the sentencing phase and she did not testify. The implication is that the attorney was remiss in not preparing Mrs. Berry to testify. Blanche said he had advised the mother prior to trial that she would be a key witness on behalf of her son. At the habeas hearing, Mrs. Berry denied that the attorney had ever interviewed her as to defendant's family history or character and indicated she was too overcome with emotion to testify. Blanche should have prepared the witness. Because of their conflicting testimony, it is not clear what was done. According to attorney Zainey, it was Berry who decided that his mother should not take the stand (undoubtedly because of her emotional state). When Mrs. Berry could not testify, Blanche did the next best thing and had her seated on the front row, where she sobbed under the observation of the jury. In connection with Mrs. Berry, defendant has not carried the burden of showing that attorney Blanche breached a duty which prejudiced his defense.