Opinion ID: 1611770
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Juror Cutts

Text: Cole next argues that trial counsel should have exercised a peremptory challenge to remove juror Cutts, an employee of the Department of Corrections. The record reflects that trial counsel unsuccessfully attempted to remove Cutts for cause. During voir dire, trial counsel concluded and advised Cole that a peremptory challenge should be exercised to remove Cutts; however, Cole stated to counsel that he wanted to retain Cutts. Trial counsel's conclusion as to juror Cutts was not sufficiently strong that counsel interfered with what Cole wanted to be done. We find no error in the trial court's determination that, under these circumstances, trial counsel's decision not to peremptorily challenge juror Cutts did not constitute deficient performance within the boundaries of Strickland. See Occhicone, 768 So.2d at 1048; see also Strickland, 466 U.S. at 691, 104 S.Ct. 2052 (The reasonableness of counsel's actions may be determined or substantially influenced by the defendant's own statements or actions.).