Opinion ID: 2369355
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The 29.15 Motion

Text: The appellant's amended 29.15 motion complained because appointed counsel failed to allow the defendant to participate in the jury selection or to examine the jury list. Counsel testified at the hearing that he did not believe that the defendant, who resided in a distant county, could be of any assistance in selecting the jury, and that he did not want the jurors to see the defendant examining the list because they might think that he was contemplating retaliation. The trial judge expressly found that the latter decision represented sound trial strategy and that there was no showing of prejudice. We might say in the abstract that a lawyer should let his client know about court proceedings, answering any questions and considering any suggestions. Recess could be requested if necessary. But a claim of the kind made here, coming after trial, does not entitle the defendant to relief unless some showing of prejudice is made. There is no indication that the defendant knew any of the jurors or could have offered any valuable advice about selecting the jury. The defendant, furthermore, should be required to voice protests of this kind during the initial proceeding, at least when granted allocution. The trial court properly found that there was no evidence of ineffective assistance of counsel.