Opinion ID: 1060787
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: the ethics opinion

Text: Finally, it is appropriate to address the ethical considerations raised in Formal Ethics Opinion 84-F-73 of the Board of Professional Responsibility. As previously mentioned, petitioner's counsel sought advice from the BPR on how to represent the petitioner given the unique circumstances in this case. The BPR recognized that petitioner's defense strategy was both moral and legal, but opined that it was nevertheless in conflict with counsels' duties as defense lawyers. The BPR recommended to counsel the following steps to address the conflict with the petitioner: Counsel should fully inform the accused of his legal right to conduct a defense of his choice as guaranteed by the Constitution. The accused should be fully advised by counsel that his rights and interests are in conflict with counsel's moral beliefs and ethical responsibilities. In [sic] event the accused maintains his insistence on no actions or arguments on his behalf against the death penalty being imposed then counsel should advise the accused that a motion to withdraw from those portions of the trial will be filed with the court. The consequences of this action should be fully explained to the accused. The court should be fully informed of the conflicts between counsel and the accused. Counsel should seek adjudication that the accused is competent to represent himself during ... any ... portion of the trial where the conflict is imminent. Counsel should move the court to withdraw from representation during the portion of the trial where the conflict is manifested. In the event the court fails to grant such motions, the attorney should seek an immediate review by the appellate court. See Board of Professional Responsibility, Formal Op. 84-F-73 (1984). Counsel followed the BPR's opinion in part by informing the petitioner of his rights and how his chosen defense strategy conflicted with his legal interests. Counsel, however, chose to continue their representation of the petitioner and never informed the trial court of their conflict. Under the circumstances in this case, counsel had no obligation to seek to terminate their representation of the petitioner. Withdrawal of counsel is governed by Disciplinary Rule 2-110 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, and in indigent criminal cases, by Tennessee Code Annotated section 40-14-205. Our review of those provisions reveals that no grounds existed for mandatory withdrawal. The petitioner never expressed a desire to discharge his appointed counsel and there was no evidence that counsels' services were meant to cause harm to another person or that the representation would result in the violation of a Disciplinary Rule. See Tenn. Sup.Ct. R. 8, DR 2-110(B). Moreover, even if counsel had sought to withdraw from petitioner's case, such action would have required permission from the trial court. Tenn.Code Ann. § 40-14-205 (1984); Tenn. Sup.Ct. R. 8, DR 2-110(A)(1). Tennessee Code Annotated section 40-14-205 provides that a court-appointed lawyer may withdraw from representation only upon the trial court's finding of good cause. Although the circumstances in this case may have risen to the level of good cause, we will not speculate as to whether the trial court would have granted a withdrawal in the middle of this capital trial. Counsel determined that the petitioner's legal interests would be served best if they continued their representation throughout the penalty phase of the trial. We are persuaded that counsel acted both reasonably and competently in representing the petitioner instead of seeking to withdraw from his case. [9] However, we are concerned that at no time did counsel inform the trial judge on the record about the circumstances or their decision to carry out the petitioner's defense strategy. In prospective cases, when a defendant, against his counsel's advise, refuses to permit the investigation and presentation of mitigating evidence, counsel must inform the trial court of these circumstances on the record, outside the presence of the jury. The trial court must then take the following steps to protect the defendant's interests and to preserve a complete record: 1. Inform the defendant of his right to present mitigating evidence and make a determination on the record whether the defendant understands this right and the importance of presenting mitigating evidence in both the guilt phase and sentencing phase of trial; 2. Inquire of both the defendant and counsel whether they have discussed the importance of mitigating evidence, the risks of foregoing the use of such evidence, and the possibility that such evidence could be used to offset aggravating circumstances; and 3. After being assured the defendant understands the importance of mitigation, inquire of the defendant whether he or she desires to forego the presentation of mitigating evidence. [10] This procedure will insure that the accused has intelligently and voluntarily made a decision to forego mitigating evidence. Trial judges, however, shall not inquire of counsel as to the content of any known mitigating evidence. To hold otherwise would potentially force counsel to act against the client's wishes and would risk the disclosure of privileged or confidential information.