Opinion ID: 1156094
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Allegedly-improper Arguments by the Prosecutor

Text: Brannan argues that the prosecutor made several improper arguments at trial. This claim is barred by procedural default because it was not raised at trial and on direct appeal, and it can be considered on habeas corpus only if Brannan can satisfy the cause and prejudice test. Ferrell, 274 Ga. at 401-402, 554 S.E.2d 155(III); OCGA § 9-14-48(d). Brannan correctly argues that a showing of ineffective assistance of counsel can satisfy the cause portion of the cause and prejudice test. See Ferrell, 274 Ga. at 402, 554 S.E.2d 155(III). However, none of the arguments Brannan complains about were improper and, therefore, trial counsel did not render ineffective assistance by failing to make objections to them. Hampton, 282 Ga. at 492(2), 651 S.E.2d 698(a); Fults, 274 Ga. at 87(7), 548 S.E.2d 315. In arguing that Brannan had systematically sought out a designation as disabled from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the prosecutor merely suggested a reasonable deduction from the evidence. See Gissendaner v. State, 272 Ga. 704, 712(9), 532 S.E.2d 677 (2000) (Counsel certainly are permitted to argue reasonable inferences from the evidence presented at trial). Similarly, the prosecutor made a reasonable deduction from the evidence in suggesting that Brannan would pose a future danger in prison based on the evidence presented at the sentencing phase showing that while in jail Brannan had surreptitiously obtained razor blades, had attached razor blades to the ends of pieces of cardboard, had concealed pieces of metal that could potentially be used to open handcuffs, and had charged at a guard with his fists clenched as if he were going to strike the guard. Compare Henry v. State, 278 Ga. 617, 618-620(1), 604 S.E.2d 826 (2004). Finally, the prosecutor did not argue improperly by stating that a death sentence for Brannan would deter similar crimes by others. Pace v. State, 271 Ga. 829, 844(31)(f), 524 S.E.2d 490 (1999) (It was not improper for the prosecutor to argue that a death sentence would `send a message' and deter other killers). Because none of these arguments were improper, Brannan cannot show cause, through a claim that trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance by not objecting at trial, or prejudice sufficient to overcome the bar to this defaulted claim. Judgment affirmed in Case No. S08X1212. Judgment reversed in Case No. S08A1211.