Opinion ID: 2328411
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Counsel's Assistance Effective

Text: In order to prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must show that his counsel's representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness and that, but for his counsel's unprofessional errors, there is a reasonable probability that the outcome of the proceedings would have been different. [6] In order to prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel in connection with a guilty plea, a defendant must show that, but for his counsel's unprofessional errors, he would not have pleaded guilty but would have insisted on proceeding to trial. [7] There is no evidence that any alleged error on the part of counsel, either prior to or in connection with the guilty plea hearing, altered the outcome of Miller's case. The record reflects that Miller admitted he committed the robbery, both at the plea hearing and the sentencing hearing. Under such circumstances, defense counsel cannot be charged with error in failing to argue a lack of evidence supporting Miller's commission of the crime. There is, moreover, nothing in the record to suggest that Miller would have decided not to plead guilty if his counsel had told him at the time of his plea that he qualified as an habitual offender. Nor is there any evidence that Miller would have received a lesser sentence if he had proceeded to trial. Finally, to the extent Miller bases his claims on alleged errors or defects preceding the entry of the plea, his voluntary guilty plea constitutes a waiver of any such claims. [8]