Opinion ID: 1804987
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Trial Counsel's Substance Abuse

Text: Windom argues that trial counsel Ed Leinster was ineffective at trial because he was intoxicated. At the evidentiary hearing, Windom presented the testimony of three lay witnesses who stated that they smelled alcohol on Leinster's breath during the trial. The State, in turn, presented the testimony of Judge Dorothy Russell, the trial judge who presided over Windom's trial; Jeff Ashton, who prosecuted Windom's case; Janna Brennan, who assisted Ashton at trial; and Kurt Barch, who assisted Leinster at trial. These witnesses testified that they had extremely close contact with Leinster throughout the trial and did not smell alcohol on his breath or believe that he was intoxicated. Each of these witnesses further testified that Leinster vigorously and consistently defended Windom's case and exhibited no signs of alcohol abuse. The post-conviction court weighed the testimony of these witnesses and concluded that there was no record evidence to support Windom's allegation that Leinster was intoxicated during the trial. Post-conviction order at 21. During the hearing, some evidence was presented by Mr. Windom's relatives that Mr. Leinster smelled of alcohol during the trial. However, Mr. Barch, the presiding judge, and both prosecutors testified that they saw absolutely no evidence of alcohol use or abuse. Further, they each alleged that, based upon Mr. Leinster's reputation (he had several alcohol and drug related arrests), they were looking for any signs of impairment. On this issue, I accept their testimony over that of Mr. Windom's relatives. Post-conviction order at 8. This Court has held that it will not substitute its judgment for that of the trial court on questions of fact, and likewise on the credibility of witnesses and the weight given to the evidence so long as the trial court's findings are supported by competent, substantial evidence. Porter v. State, 788 So.2d 917, 923 (Fla.2001). The post-conviction court's findings with regard to this issue are supported by competent, substantial evidence. Based on these factual findings, we find no legal error in the post-conviction court's denial of this claim.