Opinion ID: 1805203
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Failure to Object to Certain Testimony and Evidence

Text: Sexton next argues that counsel was ineffective for not objecting to certain testimony and the introduction of evidence. Initially, Sexton argues that counsel was ineffective for not objecting to the lack of foundation for the testimony of Judy Genetin, an Ohio social worker, in which she stated that paternity tests established that Sexton fathered two children with his own daughter, Pixie. On direct appeal from the first trial, this Court held: With respect to the evidence that Sexton had fathered two of Pixie's children, was involved in the death of Pixie and Joel's baby, and had engaged in a standoff with Ohio police that resulted in him becoming a fugitive, we find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in ruling this evidence relevant. Sexton, 697 So.2d at 837. Even if counsel should have objected to the lack of foundation for Genetin's knowledge, see Dep't of Health & Rehab. Servs. v. Moore, 603 So.2d 13, 14 (Fla. 5th DCA 1992) (holding that paternity tests are not admissible where unauthenticated and a predicate has not been laid), Pixie also testified that Sexton was the father of two of her children. Therefore, we conclude that no prejudice can be established. Next, Sexton contends that counsel was ineffective for failing to object to a videotape of Sexton made by Sexton for presentation to the authorities, in which he discussed his personal and family problems resulting from the State of Ohio's removal of his children from his custody for a period of time and which was ultimately the impetus for Sexton's flight to Florida. Although counsel stipulated to its admission if portions of the video showing Sexton's children were excised, which they were, Sexton failed to identify those specific portions of the tape that were objectionable or prejudicial. As the Court warned in Doorbal, nonspecific allegations are insufficient to obtain an evidentiary hearing on claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, and counsel should not assume that specific arguments need not be presented until the evidentiary hearing. 983 So.2d at 482. The problem is compounded when no specific arguments are presented in the appellate brief identifying the inadmissible portions of the evidence that counsel should have objected to at trial. Sexton has not identified any specific legal basis on which his attorney should have objected to any or all of the videotape. In fact, portions of the video could be interpreted as showing him in a sympathetic light as a loving, if not severely troubled, fatherall tending to humanize him for the jury. In addition, Sexton chose not to testify at trial, so the video allowed him to speak to the jury without cross-examination. Finally, the video contained information found to be relevant in the case, including why Sexton fled to Florida and had a motive to keep Joel from returning to Ohio. [15] Because portions of the video were clearly relevant and may even have had a positive effect, Sexton has not demonstrated that his counsel was deficient in failing to object on the ground of relevance. Therefore, relief is not warranted on this claim.