Opinion ID: 2086125
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Presentation of Mitigating Evidence and Argument

Text: Defendant first argues that trial defense counsel failed to present any evidence in mitigation or to make a plea for mercy. Defendant argues that because defense counsel offered no evidence in mitigation, she ensured a death sentence for defendant. We first note that this issue has been waived. This argument could have been presented at defendant's direct appeal, but was not. We further note that this argument is without merit. At defendant's sentencing hearing, defense counsel presented the testimony of several witnesses who testified about defendant's good character and qualities. Defendant's mother also testified that the police promised defendant he would not receive the death penalty if he confessed to the crime. Thus, defense counsel (1) argued defendant's good qualities as mitigation, and (2) pleaded for mercy by arguing that the jury should keep the police's alleged promise to defendant. Defendant's argument that defense counsel failed to present any mitigating evidence or make some plea for mercy is thus without basis in the record.