Opinion ID: 1903282
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Failure to file a motion to suppress in-court identification and failure to submit a jury instruction on identification testimony.

Text: ¶ 22. Defense counsel's apparent trial strategy was to dispute Wallace's incourt identification of Gilley. Although counsel did not file a motion to suppress the in-court identification, he objected to Wallace's testimony so strongly that the identification was attempted several times before the judge would admit it. Likewise, counsel made a persuasive closing argument based on misidentification. Jury instructions concerning the weight and credibility of witness testimony were submitted, and the jury was instructed that they had to be positive about the incourt identification and find the testimony believable. ¶ 23. Even assuming, arguendo, counsel's performance was deficient, Gilley cannot show that he was prejudiced thereby. The jury heard very credible testimony that Wallace positively identified Gilley at the time of arrest, not just at trial, that Wallace had adequate time to observe Gilley during the sell, and that he identified Gilley not more than five minutes after the sell was completed. Further, a jury instruction on identification may have been more detrimental to Gilley than helpful, as it may have reinforced Wallace's testimony in the minds of the jury.