Opinion ID: 1822567
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Preparation of Experts

Text: Kearse first argues that defense counsel failed adequately to prepare Dr. Lipman, a neuropharmacologist, to testify by failing to provide him with necessary information and did not provide Dr. Lipman with the defense neuropsychologist's assistance in preparing part of an analysis in support of Dr. Lipman's testimony. Competent, substantial evidence supports the circuit court's finding that defense counsel provided Dr. Lipman with necessary materials. Further, Dr. Lipman testified at resentencing that counsel inundated him with information, and at the postconviction hearing testified that he would not change his testimony now that he had seen further information. Finally, Dr. Lipman testified that when he needed expert assistance, he simply consulted another neuropsychologist. Accordingly, Kearse failed to establish either deficiency or prejudice. Kearse raises another ineffective assistance claim regarding Dr. Lipman's testimony. At the resentencing, Lipman testified that Kearse suffered from fetal alcohol effect, explained Kearse's resulting neurodevelopmental problems, and related these factors to Kearse's actions on the day of the murder. Kearse alleges that Dr. Lipman was not qualified to testify regarding his consultations with other experts about Kearse's psychological testing. The resentencing record demonstrates, however, that as a neuropharmacologist, in making his diagnoses Dr. Lipman always relies on medical doctors and psychologists. We agree with the circuit court that Dr. Lipman was not barred from testifying about his reliance on other experts. Thus, Kearse fails to meet either requirement of Strickland.