Opinion ID: 704086
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: the 2255 motion

Text: 12 We next review defendant's claims that he received ineffective assistance of counsel in violation of the Sixth Amendment. To prevail on this claim, defendant must meet the two-pronged test set forth in Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984). First, defendant must show that counsel's representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness. Id. at 688, 104 S.Ct. at 2064; see also Romero v. Tansy, 46 F.3d 1024, 1029 (10th Cir.), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 115 S.Ct. 2591, 132 L.Ed.2d 839 (1995). Under the second prong, defendant must show that there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694, 104 S.Ct. at 2068; see also Hatch v. Oklahoma, 58 F.3d 1447, 1457 (10th Cir.1995). 13 Defendant first claims that counsel Armando Sierra was ineffective because he did not meet with defendant. Counsel's assistant, however, met with defendant on at least three occasions and accepted numerous phone calls from him. In addition, counsel testified that he had met with defendant at the jail. Given that this case was not complicated, we conclude that counsel's actions did not fall below an objective standard of reasonableness. 14 Next, defendant asserts that counsel was deficient because he did not file an appropriate suppression motion. 1 Counsel stated that he did not move to suppress the evidence because defendant had consented to the search. We find this explanation a reasonable tactical decision and therefore conclude that no error occurred. Cf. Hatch, 58 F.3d at 1459 ([I]n evaluating an ineffectiveness claim, this court must presume that the challenged action might be considered sound trial strategy.) (internal quotation marks omitted). 15 Defendant also attacks counsel's pretrial investigation. He claims that counsel should have sought out the reputed owner of the car to testify. But defendant had previously indicated to counsel's investigator that the officer's report identifying the owner was false. Consequently, counsel had no reason to locate that individual. In addition, counsel did prepare for trial. The magistrate found that counsel effectively cross-examined the government's witnesses. Accordingly, no error resulted from counsel's pretrial investigation. 16 Finally, defendant contests counsel's decision to have him testify and to stipulate to the introduction of defendant's prior conviction. This decision is a classic example of a strategic trial judgment, 'the type of act for which Strickland requires that judicial scrutiny be highly deferential.'  Id. at 1459 (quoting Green v. Lynaugh, 868 F.2d 176, 178 (5th Cir.) (per curiam), cert. denied, 493 U.S. 831, 110 S.Ct. 102, 107 L.Ed.2d 66 (1989)). The defense focused on defendant's alleged lack of knowledge of the illegal drugs. Defendant's testimony was crucial for that contention. As for defendant's prior conviction, counsel determined that the evidence would be admitted anyway, so he made the stipulation to lessen the sting of the information. He then attempted to turn the information to defendant's advantage, eliciting testimony regarding defendant's reformation following the conviction. We hold that no error occurred because of counsel's decisions.