Opinion ID: 853872
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Assistance of Trial and Appellate Counsel

Text: The defendant contends that the post-conviction court erred in determining that the defendant failed to meet his burden of proof on his claim of ineffective assistance of trial and appellate counsel. The defendant has alleged that his Sixth Amendment right to counsel was violated because his trial counsel failed adequately to develop and present an explanation of the crimes and available defenses in the guilt, penalty, and sentencing phases and because his appellate counsel's assistance was ineffective. In addition, he claims that systemic defects in the trial court's indigent defense program precluded him from receiving effective legal representation. In order to prevail on his claim of ineffective assistance of trial and appellate counsel, the defendant had to demonstrate to the post-conviction court that (1) counsel's performance fell below an objective standard of reasonableness based on prevailing professional norms; and (2) there is a reasonable probability that because of counsel's errors the result of the proceeding is unreliable or unfair. Harrison v. State, 707 N.E.2d 767, 777 (Ind.1999) (citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 2064, 80 L.Ed.2d 674, 693 (1984), and Lockhart v. Fretwell, 506 U.S. 364, 369-70, 113 S.Ct. 838, 842-43, 122 L.Ed.2d 180, 189 (1993)). For claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, the same standard of review applies whether trial or appellate counsel is involved. Lowery, 640 N.E.2d at 1048. Counsel is afforded considerable discretion in choosing strategy and tactics, and we will accord that decision deference. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689, 104 S.Ct. at 2065, 80 L.Ed.2d at 694-95. A strong presumption arises that counsel rendered adequate assistance and made all significant decisions in the exercise of reasonable professional judgment. Id. at 690, 104 S.Ct. at 2066, 80 L.Ed.2d at 695. The Strickland Court recognized that even the finest, most experienced criminal defense attorneys may not agree on the ideal strategy or the most effective way to represent a client. Id. at 689, 104 S.Ct. at 2065, 80 L.Ed.2d at 695. Isolated mistakes, poor strategy, inexperience, and instances of bad judgment do not necessarily render representation ineffective. Bieghler v. State, 690 N.E.2d 188, 199 (Ind.1997); Davis v. State, 598 N.E.2d 1041, 1051 (Ind. 1992), cert. denied, 510 U.S. 948, 114 S.Ct. 392, 126 L.Ed.2d 340 (1993); Ingram v. State, 508 N.E.2d 805, 808 (Ind.1987). However, in order to make a reasonable tactical decision, counsel must have adequately investigated the client's case because strategic choices made after less than complete investigation are reasonable precisely to the extent that reasonable professional judgments support the limitations on investigation. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690-91, 104 S.Ct. at 2066, 80 L.Ed.2d at 695.