Opinion ID: 1649620
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 17

Heading: Failure to investigate whether Jones's testimony was improperly obtained.

Text: ¶ 22. Brown asserts that this issue was not developed at trial during cross-examination of Coleman Jones and not investigated prior to trial. This assertion is unsupported by the record which shows that Jones was in fact cross-examined concerning his incentive for giving a statement which incriminated Brown. The duty to investigate and prepare is not limitless and not every breach means that counsel has failed to render reasonably effective assistance. [C]ounsel for a criminal defendant is not required to pursue every path until it bears fruit or until all conceivable hope withers. Lovett v. Florida, 627 F.2d 706, 708 (5th Cir.1980). This issue is without merit.