Opinion ID: 1103987
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: ineffective assistance of counsel at culpability phase

Text: ¶ 8. To establish a claim for ineffective assistance of counsel the petitioner must prove that under the totality of circumstances (1) the counsel's performance was deficient and (2) the deficient performance deprived the defendant of a fair trial. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 2064, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984); Benson v. State, 821 So.2d 823, 825 ¶ 5 (Miss.2002); Burns v. State, 813 So.2d 668, 673 ¶ 14 (Miss.2001). The benchmark for judging any claim of ineffectiveness [of counsel] must be whether counsel's conduct so undermined the proper functioning of the adversarial process that the trial cannot be relied on as having produced a just result. Burns v. State, 813 So.2d at 673 ¶ 14 (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 686, 104 S.Ct. at 2063). ¶ 9. With regard to the showing of deficient performance, the inquiry focuses on whether counsel's performance fell below an objective standard of reasonableness. Williams v. Taylor, 529 U.S. 362, 391, 120 S.Ct. 1495, 1511, 146 L.Ed.2d 389 (2000); Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688, 104 S.Ct. at 2064. That is, consider whether the assistance was reasonable under all the circumstances seen from counsel's perspective at the time, and the prevailing professional norms for attorneys. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688, 104 S.Ct. at 2065; Burns, 813 So.2d at 673 ¶ 14; Neal v. State, 525 So.2d 1279, 1281 (Miss.1988). Defense counsel is presumed competent, and because of the distorting effects of hindsight, there is a strong presumption that counsel's conduct is within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689, 104 S.Ct. at 2065; Burns, 813 So.2d at 673 ¶ 14. ¶ 10. Regarding the deprivation of a fair trial, the petitioner must show how counsel's errors prejudiced the defense. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 693, 104 S.Ct. at 2067; Burns, 813 So.2d at 673-74 ¶ 14. The petitioner must show a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceedings would have been different. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 691-94, 104 S.Ct. at 2066-68; Burns, 813 So.2d at 673-74. A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694, 104 S.Ct. at 2068. ¶ 11. If the petitioner is challenging the conviction, the question is whether there is a reasonable probability that, absent the errors, the fact finder would have had a reasonable doubt respecting guilt. Id. If the petitioner is challenging the sentence, the question is whether there is a reasonable probability that, absent the errors, the sentencerincluding an appellate court to the extent it independently reweighs the evidencewould have concluded that the balance of aggravating and mitigating circumstances did not warrant death. Id. ¶ 12. In the instant case, we must consider whether the petition, affidavits, and trial record render it sufficiently likely that Bell received ineffective assistance of counsel so that an evidentiary hearing should be held. Neal, 525 So.2d at 1281. The application must pass both prongs. Id. Bell was represented by attorney Leland H. Jones, III, at the trial and on direct appeal. The trial court acknowledged that Jones is one of the better attorneys, and one who is well known for his common sense understanding and application of the law . . . Jones has represented numerous persons charged with criminal offenses at both the trial and appellate court levels, including several capital offense cases.
¶ 13. Bell contends that counsel's cumulative ineffectiveness rendered the guilt phase of the trial unconstitutional. We will address this as a separate issue after reviewing each of the following claims.
¶ 14. Bell alleges that trial counsel was too inexperienced to try a capital case. Bell contends counsel's failure to satisfy the qualifications provide by M.R.A.P 22(d) creates a presumption of prejudice. [1] ¶ 15. M.R.A.P. 22(d) sets forth the qualifications for attorneys representing petitioners in post-conviction matters and was adopted well after Bell's trial and direct appeal. See In Re: Mississippi Rules of Appellate Procedure-Rule 22, 735 So.2d XXIII (Miss.1999). Bell asks the Court to impose this heightened standard to trial counsel. This standard has never been imposed outside of its intended setting. This argument is without support and contradicts the presumption under Sixth Amendment jurisprudence. ¶ 16. Inexperience does not as a matter of law make counsel ineffective. Wiley v. State, 517 So.2d 1373, 1382 (Miss. 1987); see also United States v. Lewis, 786 F.2d 1278, 1281 (5th Cir.1986). The Court disagrees that trial counsel, Leland H. Jones, III, was too inexperienced and notes that prior to Bell's direct appeal, trial counsel had appeared before the Court several times, including two appeals involving murder convictions. See Holly v. State, 671 So.2d 32 (Miss.1996); Taylor v. State, 597 So.2d 192 (Miss.1992). ¶ 17. Bell emphasizes that trial counsel was working three death penalty cases simultaneously and claims that even the most experienced death penalty counsel would have been unable to properly defend him. See Smith v. State, 724 So.2d 280 (Miss.1998); Holly, 671 So.2d 32. Bell cites as proof trial counsel's request for continuance and an affidavit provided by post-conviction counsel Thomas C. Levidiotis, who attests that counsel could not simultaneously maintain such a workload and provide effective assistance. ¶ 18. The petition fails to show specific instances where counsel's performance suffered as a result of his workload. Absent specific instances of error, defendant's allegations that trial counsel was inexperienced, carried unduly heavy caseload and had severely limited resources, are insufficient to support a claim for ineffective assistance of counsel. Cabello v. State, 524 So.2d 313, 316 (Miss.1988). This issue is without merit.
¶ 19. On November 30, 1992, trial counsel joined co-defendant Anthony Doss's request for the appointment of additional counsel or in the alternative for an investigator. The request for an investigator was granted. Though Bell alleges that counsel failed to secure adequate funds, his claim, more precisely, is that counsel failed to timely request funds and that this delay led to a highly ineffective and disjointed defense. Because such funds were provided, the Court finds that this issue is without merit. ¶ 20. Additionally, Bell contends that the State should have provided funds for an independent investigation. [2] However, he does not discuss specifically how counsel's delay hindered the defense or how an earlier request for assistance would have helped. The claim that an earlier request would have allowed a stronger defense is highly speculative and without support.
¶ 21. Bell submits trial counsel failed to request the appointment of a ballistics expert. He maintains that evidence as to who fired which weapon would have been relevant mitigating evidence. He claims that the fatal wounds came from the.38 and, because Doss's fingerprints were found behind the counter, Doss had access to the victim's gun and thus fired the fatal shot. He contends this would have proved that Doss was the principal and that he was merely an accomplice. ¶ 22. At trial, the evidence presented showed that the victim was shot by .38 and.22 caliber guns. The State's position was that the .22 caliber wounds were inflicted by Bell. Because wounds from either weapon could have been fatal, the actual fatal wound was not established. Therefore, this argument is without merit. Ballistics is relevant in determining whether a particular gun fired a given bullet, not for determining which bullet proved fatal. Such a determination would require a pathologist. Likewise, because identity of the weapon was never an issue, it is likely such a request would have been denied. A ballistics expert would not aid in the determination of which bullet proved fatal or who served as the principal in the crime.
¶ 23. Bell claims that counsel failed to investigate the possibility that someone else committed the crime, prove his available alibi, and/or to find witnesses who could have provided important evidence on behalf of the defense. Under Mississippi law, counsel has the duty to interview potential witnesses and to make independent investigation of facts and circumstances. Payton v. State, 708 So.2d 559, 561 ¶ 8 (Miss.1998) (citing Ferguson v. State, 507 So.2d 94, 96 (Miss.1987) (quoting Nealy v. Cabana, 764 F.2d 1173, 1177 (5th Cir.1985))). In addition, counsel must make reasonable investigations or make a reasonable decision that makes particular investigations unnecessary. Wiley, 517 So.2d at 1379. ¶ 24. Bell argues a reasonable investigation would have led counsel to call Bud McMillian as a witness. He claims that McMillian would have testified that he had seen someone resembling Doss running from the store, and that such testimony would have supported his alibi. Bell's argument is nonsensical. On one hand, Bell faults counsel for not calling McMillian to support his alibi. On the other, Bell claims, that by testifying that he saw someone resembling Doss, McMillian would have supported the theory that Bell was merely present during the commission of the crime. Bell cannot argue that the testimony supported either his alibi or his claim that he served only as an accomplice. ¶ 25. Without a supporting affidavit from McMillian, Bell asks the Court to speculate as to McMillian's testimony and its effect on the trial. Counsel's choice of whether to call witnesses and ask certain questions falls within the ambit of trial strategy and cannot give rise to an ineffective assistance of counsel claim. Jackson v. State, 815 So.2d 1196, 1200 ¶ 8 (Miss.2002) (citing Cole v. State, 666 So.2d 767, 777 (Miss.1995)). ¶ 26. Next, Bell claims that trial counsel failed to investigate his alibi and that had counsel done so, he would have discovered Bernard Gladney as a potential, corroborating witness. Bell contends that Gladney would have testified that Bell was in Memphis at 7:30 p.m. the day of the murder. Because Gladney is serving time in the Tennessee Department of Corrections for Second Degree Murder, the decision not to call Gladney could be deemed as sound trial strategy. ¶ 27. While together in Memphis, Bell and Gladney were involved in a separate murder. It was the crime for which Bell was initially arrested. Gladney subsequently pled guilty and was sentenced to life in the Tennessee Department of Corrections. As a convicted murderer, Gladney had little credibility, and any testimony provided by him likely would have harmed the defense. Therefore, this claim is without merit.
¶ 28. Bell claims that counsel failed to request questionnaires to accompany the jury summons. By providing more information, he argues that such questionnaires would have allowed for a more effective voir dire. No support is provided that such a failure renders counsel ineffective. Failure to cite relevant authority obviates the appellate court's obligation to review such issues. Simmons v. State, 805 So.2d 452, 487 ¶ 90 (Miss. 2002); Williams v. State, 708 So.2d 1358, 1362-63 (Miss.1998). Additionally, extensive latitude was permitted during the course of voir dire. Therefore, this issue is without merit.
¶ 29. Bell claims that counsel failed to raise Batson challenges to the prosecution's exercise of peremptory challenges. See Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79, 106 S.Ct. 1712, 90 L.Ed.2d 69 (1986). Under Batson, if a party believes that the other used peremptory challenges to racially discriminate against potential jurors: (1) the party objecting to a peremptory challenge must make prima facie showing that race was the criteria for the exercise of the challenge; (2) if this initial showing is successful, the party desiring to exercise the challenge must offer a race-neutral explanation for striking the potential juror; and (3) trial court must then determine whether the objecting party has met their burden to prove there has been purposeful discrimination in exercise of peremptory challenges. Caston v. State, 823 So.2d 473, 498 ¶ 88 (Miss.2002) (quoting Stewart v. State, 662 So.2d 552, 557-58 (Miss.1995)). ¶ 30. In Conner v. State, 684 So.2d 608, 612 (Miss.1996), this Court stated that for counsel's performance to be deemed ineffective, [the defendant] must demonstrate that his case was prejudiced by the failure to raise any challenges pursuant to Batson.  Generally, the Fifth Circuit considers an attorney's actions during voir dire to be a matter of trial strategy, which `cannot be the basis for a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel unless counsel's tactics are shown to be so ill chosen that it permeates the entire trial with obvious unfairness.' Burns, 813 So.2d at 675-76 (citing Teague v. Scott, 60 F.3d 1167, 1172 (5th Cir.1995)). ¶ 31. Trial counsel went on the record to indicate that the failure to raise a Batson issue was a tactical decision based upon his understanding of the, at the time, recently decided case of Griffin v. State, 610 So.2d 354, 356 (Miss.1992), and upon instructions from his client. There was a discussion, both on and off the record, related to this Court's ruling in Griffin. In Griffin, the defendant argued that the State could not make Batson challenges to defensive peremptory strikes. However, we ruled that the State could challenge the defense's strikes, stating: The United States Supreme Court recently held in Georgia v. McCollum, 505 U.S. 42, 112 S.Ct. 2348, 120 L.Ed.2d 33 (1992), that Batson applies to both prosecutors and defendants. The Court stated: Regardless of who invokes the discriminatory challenge, there can be no doubt that the harm is the samein all cases, the juror is subjected to open and public racial discrimination. . . . We therefore reaffirm today that the exercise of a peremptory challenge must not be based on either the race of the juror or the racial stereotypes held by the party. McCollum takes the wind out of Griffin's sails, essentially holding that what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. The assignment of error is wholly without merit. Griffin v. State, 610 So.2d at 356. Bell's counsel indicated this meant that the State could only challenge Bell's strikes if he first challenged the State's strikes. When questioned by the trial court, Bell concurred that he did not wish to have his selection of the jury challenged. Even though trial counsel, and perhaps the trial court, misunderstood Griffin, this argument is without merit. The case sub judice is practically identical to the situation presented to us in Watts v. State, 733 So.2d 214 (Miss.1999). ¶ 32. In Watts, as in this case, [i]t is clear from the record, however, that it was the defense's idea to `waive Batson ' to avoid having to come up with gender- or race-neutral reasons for peremptory challenges. Id., 733 So.2d at 230 ¶ 47. A new trial was not warranted on the basis of the Batson issue since the defendant waived the issue. In so holding, we looked to Mata v. Johnson, 99 F.3d 1261 (5th Cir.1996), vacated in part on other grounds, 105 F.3d 209 (5th Cir.1997). In Mata, the Fifth Circuit refused to grant a new trial to a Hispanic defendant who expressly agreed with the prosecution to exclude all eight black members of the venire panel. Both cases turned on the defendants' willingness to participate in the constitutional violation and, thus, denied new trials. The same reasoning is applied here. ¶ 33. The failure to raise a Batson challenge was based upon a tactical decision and was not ineffective assistance of counsel. Even if the failure to raise a Batson challenge were in error, a defendant is entitled to competent counsel, not errorless counsel. Woodward v. State, 843 So.2d 1, 7 ¶ 14 (Miss.2003). ¶ 34. Furthermore, Bell has failed to show a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceedings would have been different. See Burns v. State, 813 So.2d at 673-74 (citing Mohr v. State, 584 So.2d 426, 430 (Miss.1991)). See also Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. at 691-94, 104 S.Ct. 2052. For these reasons, this issue is without merit.
¶ 35. An attorney's actions during voir dire are considered to be a matter of trial strategy and as such, cannot be the basis for a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel unless counsel's tactics are shown to be so ill chosen that it permeates the entire trial with obvious unfairness. Burns, 813 So.2d at 675-76 ¶ 22 (citing Teague, 60 F.3d at 1172). See also Garland v. Maggio, 717 F.2d 199, 206 (5th Cir.1983). Under this claim, Bell asserts five sub-issues:
¶ 36. Prior to voir dire, trial counsel requested an individual, sequestered voir dire of the panel. Bell, 725 So.2d at 845. However, counsel failed to present an argument supporting this motion, which was then denied. Id. Bell contends that had counsel provided a supporting argument, the request would have been granted and that this failure prevented the defense from uncovering juror biases. The State counters that no authority supports Bell's position. Though the motion stood a better chance of being granted if supported, we cannot be certain as to why the request was denied. ¶ 37. Under Uniform Circuit and County Court Rule 3.05 it is within the discretion of the circuit court to allow individually sequestered voir dire. Stevens v. State, 806 So.2d 1031, 1054-55 ¶ 109 (Miss. 2001); see also Jones v. State, 461 So.2d 686, 692 (Miss.1984). Considering a similar issue in Gilliard v. State, 462 So.2d 710, 714 (Miss.1985), the Court ruled that the defendant was not denied effective assistance of counsel and held that counsel's failure to request individual sequestered voir dire did not constitute ineffective assistance of counsel absent proof that something would have been discovered resulting in a different jury panel. ¶ 38. In the instant case, although counsel requested individual voir dire and thus is distinguishable from Gilliard, Bell is unable to prove but for counsel's failure to argue, the request would have been granted or that a different jury panel would have resulted.
¶ 39. This Court has already addressed on Bell's direct appeal his contention that the voir dire of the jury at his trial was so flawed as to be meaningless and that as a result the jury was excessively weighed in favor of the prosecution and that the flaws were due to leading questions suggesting to the jurors the proper answers, his failure to conduct meaningful individual examination of the panel members, and his reliance upon the members' self-assessment of their ability to give Bell a fair trial. Bell, 725 So.2d at 844 ¶ 9. Although no objections were made at the time or in post-trial motions, we examined the issue and held: We have also examined the record of the voir dire by the trial court as to any possible plain error, and although we cannot say that the manner of examining the jury was desirable, its defects do not rise to the level of fundamental constitutional error. Id. at 844 ¶ 11. ¶ 40. Because this issue was already addressed on direct appeal, an evidentiary hearing is unnecessary on this issue. Further, this issue is without merit. Not only has Bell failed to show that the performance of trial counsel was deficient, there has been no showing that the jury empaneled was not fair and impartial.
¶ 41. Bell cites several questions that counsel failed to ask the prospective juror and claims that such questions were necessary to cure trial court's defective voir dire. Examples of necessary questions include: 1) whether they would automatically impose the death penalty or would they fairly consider mitigating evidence; 2) do they have racial biases; 3) whether they were exposed to pre-trial publicity; 4) whether they or their family members worked in a convenience store; 5) whether they or a family member had ever been a victim of a crime; 6) whether they had a friend or relative who had a drug or alcohol problem; and 7) whether they had religious beliefs concerning alcohol. ¶ 42. Bell cites no authority that the failure to ask such questions supports the claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. In Conner v. State, 684 So.2d at 613, the Court found that counsel was not ineffective for failing to conduct a more extensive voir dire, especially where any questions would have been redundant and the accused failed to indicate how the defense was prejudiced by counsel's failure. See also Baldwin v. Johnson, 152 F.3d 1304, 1316 (11th Cir.1998) (Defense counsel's failure to conduct more extensive questioning of potential jurors regarding their racial attitudes and their views of death penalty on voir dire represented reasonable, strategic decision and, thus, did not constitute ineffective assistance of counsel); Price v. State, 749 So.2d 1188, 1199 ¶ 42 (Miss.Ct.App.1999) (Deciding what questions to ask during voir dire is left largely up to the attorney and is a matter of trial strategy.). ¶ 43. We examined the record of the voir dire in the direct appeal and found that, although the trial court may not have conducted the best voir dire, any flaws in the judge's examination of the panel are mitigated by the leeway allowed defense counsel in his phase of voir dire. Bell, 725 So.2d at 844 ¶ 10. By raising this issue now, Bell is attempting a second bite at the apple. As stated above, not only has Bell failed to show that the performance of trial counsel was deficient, there has been no showing that the jury impaneled was not fair and impartial.
¶ 44. Bell claims that counsel failed to rehabilitate jurors Glenda Gale Boozer Steed, Charles Lott, Stephen Bernard Chism, Ella Mae Russell, Kennedy Willis, and John William Parker, who, for religious reasons, could not impose the death penalty. He argues that counsel should always attempt to rehabilitate jurors. The State claims that Bell misleads the Court in that counsel did attempt to rehabilitate. We find that this issue is without merit. ¶ 45. Bell cites several cases, including: Phenizee v. State, 180 Miss. 746, 178 So. 579 (1938) and Burns v. Estelle, 592 F.2d 1297 (5th Cir.1979), aff'd en banc, 626 F.2d 396 (5th Cir.1980), neither of which support his position. First in Phenizee, this Court held that counsel is entitled to further question the jury after the trial court is satisfied that the panel is competent. Phenizee, 178 So. at 582. Because the right to question venire men is not at issue, the Court finds that the holding from Phenizee has no impact on the instant matter. ¶ 46. Bell incorrectly claims that in Burns, the Fifth Circuit vacated a death sentence because the defense was not allowed to voir dire a potential juror who expressed doubts about the death penalty. Instead the Fifth Circuit held that the death sentence could not be carried out because a venire member, who did not irrevocably commit to vote against the penalty of death regardless of the facts and circumstances that might emerge in the course of the proceedings, was prematurely dismissed. Burns v. Estelle, 626 F.2d at 398. Bell fails to cite any case holding that counsel was held to be ineffective because he or she failed to rehabilitate a venire member. ¶ 47. Unless there is proof that rehabilitation was possible, a defendant is not prejudiced by counsel's failure to rehabilitate venire member who were excused because of their views contrary to death penalty. Sawyer v. Butler, 848 F.2d 582, 589 (5th Cir.1988). See also Williams v. Collins, 16 F.3d 626, 633 (5th Cir.1994) (defense counsel was not ineffective in failing to object when venire members were excused for cause based on their inability impose death penalty under any circumstances; any objections and attempts to rehabilitate venire members would have been futile). ¶ 48. In the instant case, all the jurors in question expressed that they were unwilling to impose the death penalty, regardless of the circumstances. It was apparent that they were unable perform their duties in accordance with their instructions and oath. See generally Williams, 16 F.3d at 633. Bell has made no showing that rehabilitation was possible. Therefore, this issue is without merit.
¶ 49. Bell argues that his trial counsel failed to object to the impanelment or have removed eight of the twelve jurors because each had ties to law enforcement or the victim's family. He claims that counsel failed to protect his right to a fair trial by an impartial jury as provided under U.S. Constitution, amend. VI, and Article 3, Section 26 of the Mississippi Constitution. See generally Mhoon v. State, 464 So.2d 77, 79 (Miss.1985). On direct appeal, we affirmed the trial court where it denied Bell's challenge for cause as to other jurors who had relationships with the victim or his family or the law enforcement community. Bell, 725 So.2d at 845-46. We held that mere acquaintance or even family relationships with parties or those related to parties is not sufficient to require that a juror be excused for cause. Id. at 846 ¶ 16. With respect to the overall performance of the attorney, counsel's choice of whether or not to file certain motions, call witnesses, ask certain questions, or make certain objections fall within the ambit of trial strategy and cannot give rise to an ineffective assistance of counsel claim. Jackson v. State, 815 So.2d 1196, 1200 ¶ 8 (Miss.2002) (citing Cole v. State, 666 So.2d 767, 777 (Miss.1995)). ¶ 50. As this Court has pointed out: This Court has discussed the wide latitude allowed attorneys regarding their trial strategy: This Court gives much deference to an attorney's trial tactics. As this Court has stated: Judicial scrutiny of counsel's performance must be highly deferential. It is all too tempting for a defendant to second-guess counsel's assistance after conviction or adverse sentence, and it is all too easy for a court, examining counsel's defense after it has proved unsuccessful, to conclude that a particular act or omission of counsel was unreasonable. Cf. Engle v. Isaac, 456 U.S. 107, 133-134 [102 S.Ct. 1558, 1574-75, 71 L.Ed.2d 783] (1982). A fair assessment of attorney performance requires that every effort be made to eliminate the distorting effects of hindsight, to reconstruct the circumstances of counsel's challenged conduct, and to evaluate the conduct from counsel's perspective at the time. Lambert v. State, 462 So.2d 308, 316 (Miss.1984), citing Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689, 104 S.Ct. at 2065, 80 L.Ed.2d at 694. The right to effective counsel does not entitle the defendant to have an attorney who makes no mistakes at trial. The defendant just has a right to have competent counsel. Smiley v. State, 815 So.2d 1140, 1148 ¶ 32 (Miss.2002) (citing Mohr v. State, 584 So.2d 426, 430 (Miss.1991)). ¶ 51. Moreover, the perceived relationships between the jurors and the victim or the law enforcement community are tenuous at best. The case was tried in a rural Mississippi county with a limited jury pool. The decision not to seek removal of these named jurors may arguably be part of trial strategy. Because we cannot use hindsight to analyze trial counsel's unsuccessful strategy, this issue is without merit.
¶ 52. Bell claims that counsel's failure to request additional peremptory challenges rendered counsel's assistance ineffective. The Court finds that this issue is without merit. Also, through this claim, Bell attempts to emphasize how the trial court erred in denying his challenges for cause, an issue considered in the direct appeal and as such, is barred under Miss. Code. Ann. § 99-39-21(3).