Opinion ID: 75896
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Experience in criminal trials

Text: 29 The factor that suggests most strongly that Nelson chose self-representation with eyes open is his extensive experience in previous criminal trials. We note at the outset that the facts relevant to this factor also support several of the other Fitzpatrick factors in that they indicate defendant's extensive prior contact with lawyers; his knowledge of the nature of the charges, possible defenses, possible penalties; and his understanding of the rules of procedure, evidence and courtroom decorum. Prior to the sentencing hearing in question, Nelson had very recently experienced four capital murder trials and four capital sentencing hearings. As noted above, shortly before Nelson's first trial for the instant offense, he was tried for the capital murder of Cash and was sentenced to death. Following the first Cash trial, he was tried for the first time for the instant offense, the capital murder of Thompson. Again, he experienced a capital sentencing proceeding and was sentenced to death. Both of those convictions were overturned by the state courts, requiring new trials in both cases. Re-trials then were conducted in both cases, and capital sentencing proceedings were conducted. Nelson received a life sentence with respect to the murder of Cash, but again received the death sentence with respect to the instant murder of Thompson. Thus, by the time of the instant re-sentencing, Nelson had undergone two complete capital murder trials and two complete capital sentencing proceedings involving precisely the same issues which were facing him in the instant re-sentencing proceeding. In addition, he had undergone two complete capital murder trials with respect to Cash, which also involved very similar issues. Although Nelson was represented by counsel in all four of these preceding trials, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals found that Nelson had actively participated in his representation at his trials. Nelson v. Alabama, 511 So.2d 225, 238 (Ala.Crim.App.1986). That court noted that Nelson had participated in arguments before the court and the jury, cross-examined witnesses, made objections to evidence, and testified in his own behalf. Some of his arguments and objections to evidence disclose a marked understanding of the proceedings and considerable intelligence. Id. Indeed, Nelson himself testified at his 1987 Faretta hearing that many of the lawyers that are appointed to represent clients have less experience than myself in the appeals and trial process. 5 30 This extensive experience in criminal trials was noted by Judge Pearson in his September 1994 finding that Nelson was competent to waive his appeals. There, the judge found that Nelson has participated in these proceedings for more than ten (10) years as a petition writer and oral movant.... [and that] it is obvious from his pronouncement and demeanor that ... Nelson is fully aware of his actions and makes his decisions from an informed position. 31 Nelson also had considerable history of other crimes prior to this sentencing hearing, including proceedings involving another murder to which he pled guilty. Nelson's extensive experience with the criminal justice system, including his recent experience in four capital murder trials and sentencing proceedings and especially the two previous capital murder trials and sentencing proceedings with respect to the instant offense and necessarily involving identical issues, contribute significantly to the conclusion that the decision of the state courts challenged here was reasonable. 32