Opinion ID: 682072
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Constructive denial of effective assistance of council

Text: 21 Finally Sheffey argues he was constructively denied effective assistance of counsel by the actions of the district court. In order to find a constructive denial of the effective assistance of counsel, the circumstances surrounding the representation must be interfered with to such a degree as to violate the sixth amendment. United States v. Cronic, 466 U.S. 648, 662 (1984). 22 In the instant case the district court did not prevent Sheffey's counsel from effectively performing his duties. Sheffey's counsel was able to cross-examine the government's witnesses as to their credibility and bias. He was given an extra month to prepare for the hearing, due to the continuance. He was not denied access to any evidence introduced in court nor was he denied the opportunity to present a case on behalf of Sheffey. Based on the record provided in this case and the case law, Sheffey's claim lacks merit.