Opinion ID: 1426947
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Relying on a theory of self-defense instead of other theories.

Text: Leonard asserts that the most fundamental error of his two trial counsel was relying on a theory of self-defense and rejecting the options of voluntary manslaughter and second-degree murder. Moreover, he argues that the offense most applicable to the facts was mutual combat, pursuant to NRS 200.450, which criminalizes fighting upon previous concert and agreement. [2] We conclude that Wessel and Saunders were not ineffective in arguing self-defense but performed reasonably well given the task they faced. Despite CO Bascus's testimony that Leonard attacked first and the fact that Leonard emerged basically unharmed, it was not unreasonable to argue self-defense since defense counsel were able to present other testimony that Wright attacked first as well as undisputed evidence that Wright was a convicted murderer with a history of violent behavior. Nor did counsel reject voluntary manslaughter and second-degree murder; the jury was instructed on both lesser offenses. Wessel mentioned these options only in passing in final argument, but we conclude that it was a reasonable strategic decision not to argue multiple theories to the jury. Moreover, arguing self-defense did not contradict or undercut the other two options: a jury conceivably could have been convinced that Wright acted in a way which did not justify self-defense but was provocative enough to create an irresistible passion, or at least negate premeditation, on Leonard's part. Leonard maintains that the defense should have argued that he and Wright engaged in mutual combat. But he offers little if any evidence of an agreement between himself and Wright to fight. Moreover, Leonard theorizes that Senior CO Edwards, the officer in the control room, opened the cell doors so that the fight could occur. He cites a number of circumstances which he considers suspicious, for example: Edwards locked CO Bascus in C Wing for a time, Edwards claimed that he was unaware of the altercation between the inmates and therefore failed to record it, Edwards changed his explanation for this failure, Edwards had been disciplined for concealing a 1985 DUI conviction from prison authorities, and Edwards refused to give any information to the investigator working for Leonard's post-conviction counsel. We consider this theory completely unconvincing speculation, as the jury likely would have if presented with it. The theory founders most directly on the fact that Bascus admitted that he (not Edwards) had mistakenly allowed both inmates out of their cells at the same time. At best, Leonard now simply posits an alternative defense strategy; he does not establish that the strategy followed was unreasonable.