Opinion ID: 2583976
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Advising Lara to testify

Text: Lara additionally contends that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance by advising Lara to testify and by failing to question Lara on direct examination regarding his gang affiliation, both of which he claims led to a devastating cross-examination by the State. The United States Supreme Court has recognized that an accused has the ultimate authority to make certain fundamental decisions regarding the case, including the decision to testify. [14] The record below confirms that counsel properly advised Lara of his right to testify or not testify. The district court canvassed Lara before he took the stand, and Lara stated that he understood his rights. We conclude that the decision to testify at trial was Lara's and that counsel's advice concerning the decision was not deficient. Also, given the nature of the State's case, the fact that Lara would have to testify concerning the allegations of his gang affiliations and the relevance or lack of relevance of them in the event he chose to take the witness stand does not undermine the effectiveness of his counsel in rendering advice concerning the decision to testify. It was certainly reasonable to directly address all of the gang-related issues and to advise Lara that his best course was to testify. In light of the evidence against Lara and the fact that his gang affiliation was at issue, counsel's approach to the direct examination of his client cannot provide grounds for post-conviction relief. In this, we cannot hold that, but for counsel's failure to diffuse Lara's gang affiliation on direct examination, the outcome at trial would have been different.