Opinion ID: 1745774
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Trial counsel failed to present a timely motion for a change of venue.

Text: Cabello argues that counsel's belated motion for a change of venue was an example of its ineffectiveness. In Cabello, 471 So.2d at 339, this Court noted that the trial judge was within his discretion when he denied the motion, where only five of eighty prospective jurors indicated that they had formed an opinion about the case, and there was no evidence that any of the five prospective jurors actually served. In Gilliard v. State, 462 So.2d 710, 714 (Miss. 1985), where the defense counsel had failed to pursue a motion for a change of venue, the Court rejected post-conviction relief, noting that the movant had not shown prejudice. Similarly, even were the Court to find counsel's performance deficient in this case, there is nothing to suggest that Cabello suffered prejudice as a result. Error is denied.