Court Opinion

ID: 9558051
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 17:02:11.327682+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:08:12.226550
License: Public Domain

RICHARDSON, J.
I respectfully dissent. In my view, the trial court did not abuse its broad discretion in denying petitioner the services of a second court-appointed attorney at public expense.
*435In People v. Jackson (1980) 28 Cal.3d 264, 287 [168 Cal.Rptr. 603, 618 P.2d 149], we explained that the trial court in a capital case has discretion “to appoint additional counsel at public expense if the circumstances in a particular case appear to require such an appointment.” We indicated, however, that the defendant is required to make a “‘substantial showing’ that, among other things, ‘the cause of justice will thereby be served.’ [Citations.]” (Ibid.) Finally, in upholding the trial court’s denial of additional counsel in Jackson, we noted that “the trial court had full opportunity to observe counsel in the course of extensive argument on pretrial matters prior to its ruling . .. and accordingly was well positioned to evaluate counsel’s ability.” (Pp. 287-288.)
The majority now discards Jackson's requirement that defendant make a “substantial showing” of his need for a second attorney, substituting in its place a “presumption” of such need arising whenever a “genuine need” is established. (Ante, p. 434.) No authorities are cited to support the majority’s creation of such a presumption.
In the present case, as in Jackson, the trial court had an ample opportunity for determining that a second court-appointed attorney was unnecessary to assure petitioner a full and complete defense. Justice Rouse in his opinion for the Court of Appeal in this case observed, “we have thoroughly reviewed the sealed documents and transcripts bearing upon petitioner’s request for the employment of a second attorney at public expense, and we have also conducted our own in camera hearing. Defendant does not contend, nor was there any indication to us, that counsel presently assigned to the case is not fully qualified and capable of conducting a fair and adequate defense to the charges, both in the substantive, and, if necessary, the penalty, phase of trial. Many of the tasks for which defendant seeks help from an additional lawyer involve pretrial preparation and are essentially investigative in nature. These, we submit, can be more appropriately carried out by qualified investigative personnel and other experts acting under the direction and supervision of assigned counsel. Funds have already been provided to defense counsel for this purpose. It is our determination that respondent superior court did not abuse its discretion in denying petitioner’s request for funds for the employment of a second attorney and that said court’s order of denial was entirely proper and must be upheld.”
I fully concur in Justice Rouse’s careful analysis. In addition to the services of his present competent counsel, I further observe that, follow*436ing the in camera hearing in November 1980, the trial court granted petitioner’s request for a criminalist, an investigator, a jury selection service, and psychiatric, psychological and neurological testing, and I have no reason to believe that the trial court would deny additional funds for other services if they prove necessary to petitioner’s defense. The trial court can be trusted to continue its sensitive watch over these proceedings. If under Jackson, the court becomes convinced that a second counsel is needed one; can be appointed. Our intervention is not required.
In addition to my disagreement with the majority’s reasoning, I disagree with its result as well. The majority unconditionally directs the trial court “to appoint a second attorney for defendant” (ante, p. 434). At best it should remand the cause for reconsideration of petitioner’s motion in light of the majority opinion. The record discloses that more than a year has passed since petitioner’s motion was first denied. Surely, some trial preparation must have been completed during the course of a year. Petitioner may no longer require the services of a second attorney. The hearings previously conducted should be renewed to ascertain petitioner’s present need for additional legal assistance, pursuant to the wholly new guidelines which are now judicially created by the majority.
Because I conclude that defendant is being fairly and generously treated by the trial court system, I would sustain its action and deny the peremptory writ.
A petition for a rehearing was denied June 3, 1982. Richardson, J., was of the opinion that the petition should be granted.