Opinion ID: 2169676
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Conflict of Interest Analysis

Text: A criminal defendant's sixth amendment right to effective assistance of counsel includes the right to conflict-free representation. People v. Morales, 209 Ill.2d 340, 345, 283 Ill.Dec. 544, 808 N.E.2d 510 (2004). In determining whether a defendant received effective assistance of counsel based on an alleged conflict of interest, we first resolve whether counsel labored under a per se conflict. A per se conflict is one in which `facts about a defense attorney's status    engender, by themselves, a disabling conflict.' (Emphasis in original.) Morales, 209 Ill.2d at 346, 283 Ill.Dec. 544, 808 N.E.2d 510, quoting People v. Spreitzer, 123 Ill.2d 1, 14, 121 Ill.Dec. 224, 525 N.E.2d 30 (1988). When a defendant's attorney has a tie to a person or entity that would benefit from an unfavorable verdict for the defendant, a per se conflict arises. People v. Janes, 168 Ill.2d 382, 387, 214 Ill.Dec. 273, 660 N.E.2d 980 (1995). `[I]f counsel, unknown to the accused and without his knowledgeable assent, is in a duplicitous position where his full talentsas a vigorous advocate having the single aim of acquittal by all means fair and honorableare hobbled or fettered or restrained by commitments to others' [citation], effective assistance of counsel is lacking. People v. Stoval, 40 Ill.2d 109, 112, 239 N.E.2d 441 (1968). We explained the justification underlying the per se rule in Spreitzer. First, we noted that counsel's knowledge that a result favorable to his other client or association would inevitably conflict with defendant's interest might `subliminally' affect counsel's performance in ways [that are] difficult to detect and demonstrate. Spreitzer, 123 Ill.2d at 16, 121 Ill.Dec. 224, 525 N.E.2d 30. Also, we noted the possibility that counsel's conflict would subject him to `later charges that his representation was not completely faithful.' [Citations.] Spreitzer, 123 Ill.2d at 17, 121 Ill.Dec. 224, 525 N.E.2d 30. If a per se conflict exists, defendant is not required to show that counsel's `actual performance was in any way affected by the existence of the conflict.' Morales, 209 Ill.2d at 345, 283 Ill.Dec. 544, 808 N.E.2d 510, quoting Spreitzer, 123 Ill.2d at 15, 121 Ill.Dec. 224, 525 N.E.2d 30. In other words, a defendant is not required to show actual prejudice when a per se conflict exists. Stoval, 40 Ill.2d at 113, 239 N.E.2d 441. Unless a defendant waives his right to conflict-free counsel, a per se conflict is grounds for automatic reversal. Morales, 209 Ill.2d at 345, 283 Ill.Dec. 544, 808 N.E.2d 510. We have identified three situations where a per se conflict exists: (1) when defense counsel has a prior or contemporaneous association with the victim, the prosecution, or an entity assisting the prosecution ( Spreitzer, 123 Ill.2d at 14, 121 Ill.Dec. 224, 525 N.E.2d 30; see also People v. Lawson, 163 Ill.2d 187, 210-11, 206 Ill.Dec. 119, 644 N.E.2d 1172 (1994) (collecting cases)); (2) when defense counsel contemporaneously represents a prosecution witness (see People v. Moore, 189 Ill.2d 521, 538, 245 Ill.Dec. 95, 727 N.E.2d 348 (2000); People v. Thomas, 131 Ill.2d 104, 111, 137 Ill.Dec. 1, 545 N.E.2d 654 (1989)); and (3) when defense counsel was a former prosecutor who had been personally involved in the prosecution of the defendant (see Lawson, 163 Ill.2d at 217-18, 206 Ill.Dec. 119, 644 N.E.2d 1172). Where the record shows that the facts are undisputed, the question of whether a per se conflict exists is a legal question we review de novo. Morales, 209 Ill.2d at 345, 283 Ill.Dec. 544, 808 N.E.2d 510. If a per se conflict does not exist, a defendant may still establish a violation of his right to effective assistance of counsel by showing an actual conflict of interest that adversely affected his counsel's performance. Morales, 209 Ill.2d at 348-49, 283 Ill.Dec. 544, 808 N.E.2d 510. To show an actual conflict of interest, a defendant must point to `some specific defect in his counsel's strategy, tactics, or decision making attributable to [a] conflict.' Morales, 209 Ill.2d at 349, 283 Ill.Dec. 544, 808 N.E.2d 510, quoting Spreitzer, 123 Ill.2d at 18, 121 Ill.Dec. 224, 525 N.E.2d 30. In this situation, mere `[s]peculative allegations and conclusory statements are not sufficient to establish that an actual conflict of interest affected counsel's performance.' Morales, 209 Ill.2d at 349, 283 Ill.Dec. 544, 808 N.E.2d 510, quoting People v. Williams, 139 Ill.2d 1, 12, 150 Ill.Dec. 544, 563 N.E.2d 431 (1990).