Opinion ID: 1725936
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Was defendant supplied with constitutionally adequate counsel?

Text: Defendant asserts his trial counsel's performance was constitutionally inadequate. He alleges counsel (1) waived defendant's speedy trial right without permission, (2) indicated in opening statement defendant would testify on his own defense without consulting defendant, (3) failed to object to late filing of State's additional minutes of testimony, (4) failed to investigate or secure various exculpatory evidence available, (5) failed to depose all but two witnesses, (6) failed to interview witnesses as requested by defendant, (7) failed to competently cross-examine a witness, (8) failed to attempt in an effective manner to obtain reduction of defendant's bond. State contends most of defendant's allegations are without adequate substantiation in the record. It argues only one set of minutes of testimony were filed late and defense counsel had received prior notice that those two witnesses would testify at trial. State further points out that deposing only two adverse witnesses does not evidence ineffective counsel when there are other less expensive means of preparing for trial. Finally, the State reasons presentation of these issues on direct appeal would deny State and defendant's counsel opportunity to rebut the allegations of ineffectiveness. It therefore urges the issue should be reserved for determination in proceedings for postconviction relief. We agree. See State v. Coil, 264 N.W.2d 293, 296 (Iowa 1978); State v. Kellogg, 263 N.W.2d at 543-44. We find no basis on the record before us to hold defendant's trial counsel did not perform within the range of normal competence. Cleesen v. State, 258 N.W.2d 330, 332 (Iowa 1977). We determine we should affirm the judgment but without adjudicating the issue of trial counsel's competency. Defendant's right to raise that issue by postconviction proceedings, ch. 663A, The Code, is reserved. See Kellogg, 263 N.W.2d at 544. AFFIRMED. All Justices concur except McCORMICK, J., who concurs specially joined by LeGRAND and HARRIS, JJ.