Opinion ID: 1195135
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: misinformation about scope of penalty phase

Text: Taylor claims that Levine specifically told him that the sentencing hearing would exclude all evidence about the dropped charges of attempted homicide, aggravated arson, aggravated kidnaping, aggravated robbery, theft, etc. Taylor argues that the trial court's factual finding that Levine did not misinform Taylor about the likelihood of preventing this evidence from entering into the penalty phase was clearly erroneous. We consider a trial court's findings of fact clearly erroneous when they are against the clear weight of the evidence. State v. Walker, 743 P.2d 191, 193 (Utah 1987). Evidence presented at the rule 23B hearing supports the finding that Levine correctly informed Taylor about the scope of the penalty phase. Levine testified that he told Taylor that the penalty phase would resemble very closely a guilt phase but that Levine could possibly prevent the State from introducing certain inflammatory photographs as evidence. The transcript of the plea proceedings supports Levine's version and undermines Taylor's testimony to the contrary. At the plea hearing, Taylor heard the prosecution say that it intended to introduce evidence of the dismissed charges. Levine registered his intent to object to such evidence. When asked by the court if he was satisfied with Levine's performance, Taylor responded affirmatively on two occasions during the plea proceedings. Although the judge could have found Taylor credible at the rule 23B hearing, he did not, and enough evidence supports the judge's finding to prevent us from holding it clearly erroneous. Hence, Levine did not misinform Taylor or provide ineffective assistance of counsel in this manner.