Opinion ID: 2638434
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Denial of defendant's request to interview Garrison before trial

Text: Defendant claims the denial of full discovery of Garrison's psychiatric records and the prosecutor's interview notes was aggravated by the trial court's denial of defense counsel's request to interview Garrison before trial. In light of the perceived precarious state of Garrison's mental health, all parties had some concern about his anticipated testimony before the jury. Defense counsel asked to have an opportunity to interview Garrison, but the trial court impliedly denied his request. Defendant now claims the trial court erred in so ruling. Defendant identifies no authority, and we are aware of none, that would have permitted the trial court to authorize defense counsel to interview Garrison before trial. Garrison was represented by Goldscheider at that time, and nothing in the record indicates whether or not he would have permitted the interview or advised Garrison to waive his privilege against compelled self-incrimination. Defendant was apprised of Garrison's pretrial statements to police and the prosecutor, and was given the opportunity to question him at trial. He was entitled to nothing more.