Opinion ID: 1762379
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Failure to Seek Appointment of Co-Counsel

Text: In his final argument in this appeal, Sasser contends that he did not receive effective assistance of counsel during his trial because he was not represented by two attorneys as required by the minimum standards promulgated by the Arkansas Public Defender Commission and the Guidelines for Appointment and Performance of Counsel in Death Penalty Cases issued by the American Bar Association. Sasser argues that despite the existence of these standards and guidelines, his attorney did not seek the appointment of another attorney to assist him, nor did the trial court appoint an attorney on its own motion. Sasser then makes the bare allegation that because additional counsel was not appointed, he received ineffective assistance of counsel. We affirm the Circuit Court's denial of relief on this claim. Sasser has not made any specific allegation as to how the absence of a second attorney affected his trial counsel's performance, or how he was prejudiced by the fact that he was represented by one attorney. Conclusory allegations cannot be a basis for postconviction relief. Brooks v. State, 303 Ark. 188, 792 S.W.2d 617 (1990). Affirmed.