Opinion ID: 2537242
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Potential Impeachment Concerning Luis Rodriguez

Text: We begin with the claims that the State withheld favorable evidence that would have impeached Luis Rodriguez. Any potential impeachment of Luis could have been significant because he was a main witness against Rodriguez and Rodriguez's defense has been that, although he was involved, Luis was the main actor in the murder. Rodriguez alleges a violation of Brady because the State failed to disclose certain letters that would have called Luis's testimony into question. He further asserts the State violated either Brady or Giglio because his trial counsel was not given the potential impeachment material that the police threatened to arrest Luis's family, that Luis was provided with special accommodations as a benefit to ensure his cooperation, and that Luis was promised assistance in obtaining parole if he testified against Rodriguez. We discuss each of these claims and conclude that Rodriguez has not established a basis for relief.