Opinion ID: 1797214
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The Mitigation Evidence

Text: Foster claims that his trial counsel failed to adequately investigate and present mitigation evidence, resulting in ineffective assistance of counsel at the sentencing phase. This is not a case where counsel failed to offer any mitigating circumstances or evidence to the contrary. In addition to the testimony and evidence revealed during the guilt phase, Foster's counsel also introduced the testimony of Stevson Foster and Lillie Mae Foster during the sentencing phase. The list of circumstances or factors offered for mitigation and the closing argument of counsel made at the end of the sentencing phase show that counsel did indeed investigate Foster's case for mitigation. The areas of mitigation on which Foster focuses his complaint are his mental health, intelligence level, and alcohol use. Based on the arguments presented by Foster, the affidavits included in Foster's application, and the deference given to trial counsel's abilities, the State contends that Foster has failed to meet the requirements of proving deficiency and prejudice.