Opinion ID: 1702189
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Failure to Object to Testimony about Berry's Status as a Habitual Offender

Text: ¶ 15. On resentencing during voir dire, the circuit court disclosed that Berry was a habitual offender and later included such fact in the sentencing instructions. Berry claims that in both instances counsel was ineffective by failing to object. Berry fails to clearly define how this issue impacts his ineffective assistance of counsel claim. ¶ 16. We addressed this issue in Berry I and held that in a capital case, before considering sentencing options, a jury should be informed that the defendant has been adjudicated as an habitual offender. Berry I, 575 So.2d at 13-14. Actually, resentencing was ordered because the circuit judge failed to instruct the jury that Berry was an habitual criminal. Id. at 13. This issue is without merit. ¶ 17. Berry's argument seemingly hinges on the fact that his status was disclosed during voir dire, rather than just prior to deliberations. The record reveals that the circuit court worked diligently to follow the Court's holding in Berry I. Finding that the circuit court reasonably applied the holding Berry I, there was no cause for defense counsel to object. Likewise, as for the inclusion in the sentencing instructions, we find that the circuit court sought to comply formally with our holding in Berry I.