Opinion ID: 2378015
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Counsel's investigation of the State's case

Text: Defense counsel testified that during plea negotiations, he was aware that Matthews had confessed to all six burglary and theft of property charges, and that he had given the police the names of two juveniles who also participated in the crimes. Those juveniles, in turn, identified Matthews as their accomplice. Defense counsel also testified that he was aware that a portion of the stolen property was found in Matthews's possession. When asked if he was satisfied with the plea negotiations and the sentence that his client received, the attorney responded that he was pleased because a trial might have resulted in a ninety-year prison term on the six charges in 1990, and a revocation of the probation Matthews received in 1989. According to defense counsel, the revocation could have resulted in an additional thirty-year sentence. It is clear that counsel was well aware of both the evidence the State intended to use against Matthews as well as the full extent of the punishment that his client could receive if the case went to trial. Consequently, Matthews did not sustain his burden of proving that his defense counsel did not fully investigate the State's case. Lastly, we note that while the failure to move for a continuance was included among the grounds for relief in Matthews's motion to vacate his guilty plea, he did not allege how he was prejudiced by such a failure. Furthermore, Matthews did not introduce any evidence about the alleged failure to move for a continuance during the postconviction hearing. Consequently, no postconviction relief on this claim is warranted. Strickland v. Washington, supra . Affirmed.