Opinion ID: 6978999
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Was it unreasonable for counsel to decline to introduce the expert testimony ?

Text: The record reflects that Keel’s counsel presented expert testimony regarding his drug use and emotional problems during the penalty phase of the trial. Counsel first presented the expert testimony of Dr. Weiner, a forensic psychiatrist in North Carolina. Weiner testified as to Keel’s history of drug abuse and emotional problems. However, on both direct examination and cross examination, Dr. Weiner admitted that Keel “solved his problems by fighting.” Moreover, Weiner testified that Keel could “hold a job ... he can get by on minimum standards.” Finally, Weiner testified that Keel told him before the night of the murder that “he was going to resolve [arguments between himself and Simmons] by taking him (Simmons) out and beating him up.” Counsel also presented the testimony of Dr. Robert Conder, a neuropsyehologist. While Dr. Conder testified that Keel had engaged in many activities that had killed brain cells, and had a below average IQ, he also admitted on cross examination that Keel could think, plan, and hold a job. To the extent that counsel discussed the case and the testimony with the experts before trial, as it appears in the record that he did, he may reasonably have concluded that, on balance, the testimony would not have been helpful during the guilt phase. This is the type of decision making by counsel that Strickland protects. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 700, 104 S.Ct. 2052 (holding that there was not ineffective assistance of counsel where counsel declined to present mitigating evidence at the penalty stage because of possible exposure to damaging evidence during cross-examination).