Opinion ID: 2167438
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Error Preservation, Ineffective Assistance of Counsel, and Scope of Review.

Text: Ordinarily, we do not consider issues raised for the first time on appeal. DeVoss v. State, 648 N.W.2d 56, 60-61 (Iowa 2002). The issues forming the basis of Scalise's claim of ineffective assistance of counsel fall into that category. However, we recognize an exception in the case of claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. Earnest v. State, 508 N.W.2d 630, 632 (Iowa 1993). We do so because as a practical matter these claims are not made by attorneys against their own actions. State v. Lucas, 323 N.W.2d 228, 232 (Iowa 1982). Because Scalise's claims of ineffective assistance of counsel arise from her Sixth Amendment right to counsel, our review is de novo. State v. Westeen, 591 N.W.2d 203, 207 (Iowa 1999). To prevail on these claims, Scalise must show that her trial counsel failed to perform an essential duty and that prejudice resulted from this failure. State v. Greene, 592 N.W.2d 24, 29 (Iowa 1999). Failing to perform an essential duty means counsel's performance fell outside the normal range of competency. State v. Hepperle, 530 N.W.2d 735, 739 (Iowa 1995). On this point, counsel is not incompetent for failing to pursue a meritless issue. Greene, 592 N.W.2d at 29. To establish prejudice, Scalise must show that the outcome of the trial would have been different. State v. Horness, 600 N.W.2d 294, 300-01 (Iowa 1999). Failure of proof on either the duty or prejudice prongs defeats the claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. Greene, 592 N.W.2d at 29. Ordinarily we preserve claims of ineffective assistance of counsel raised on direct appeal for postconviction relief proceedings to allow full development of the facts surrounding counsel's conduct. State v. Atley, 564 N.W.2d 817, 833 (Iowa 1997). We will resolve ineffective assistance of counsel claims on direct appeal when the record is adequate to decide the issue. State v. Arne, 579 N.W.2d 326, 329 (Iowa 1998). We conclude the record is adequate to resolve Scalise's claims as they relate to the motion for judgment of acquittal and jury instructions, so we proceed to consider those claims.