Opinion ID: 3161663
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Trial Preparation.

Text: Trial counsel’s strategy for the guilt phase of trial was to argue that Lawler believed the officers were invading his home and, therefore, his actions were in self-defense or, alternatively, in the “heat of passion.” To prepare, trial counsel, inter alia: interviewed Lawler’s neighbors, Rodgers, and Cocciolone; discussed the crime with the prosecution’s firearms expert; unsuccessfully sought to obtain a ballistics expert;2 and interviewed Lawler’s co-worker Steed.3 Trial counsel spoke to Steed in order to rebut his potential testimony that Lawler dislikes police. Trial counsel’s mitigation strategy was to humanize Lawler and show that he has significant mental health issues. Prior to trial, trial counsel interviewed Lawler, his mother, and his brother about Lawler’s mental health and background. Through these interviews, trial counsel learned that Lawler has experienced depression and anxiety. But, Lawler, his brother, and his mother did not mention any other mental health issues. They also did not report any family history of mental illness. Lawler’s brother and mother did note, however, that Lawler had a “normal,” middle-class childhood. In addition to these interviews, trial counsel retained a psychiatrist, Dr. Michael Hilton, to evaluate Lawler. Hilton met with Lawler twice, 2 According to trial counsel, no such experts were willing to assist with the case. 3 Lawler disputes that trial counsel spoke to Steed, but during the State habeas proceedings, trial counsel testified to speaking with Steed. 3 Case: 14-12389 Date Filed: 12/10/2015 Page: 4 of 15 briefly met with Rodgers and Lawler’s mother and brother, and reviewed the police reports related to Lawler’s arrest. Hilton obtained family, personal, legal, present living situation, substance abuse, medical, psychiatric, and present offense “histories” from Lawler. Ultimately, Hilton diagnosed Lawler with paranoid personality disorder.