Court Opinion

ID: 9528671
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 03:42:59.345162+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:27:12.367942
License: Public Domain

Herd, J.,
dissenting: The representation of both Nelson Lem’Mons and Charles Peterson by the same law firm, in cases where both were accused of sexually abusing Peterson’s five-year-old daughter, presents a clear case of conflict of interest initially. However, Charles Peterson pled guilty to reduced charges prior to Lem’Mons’ trial; thus, to a large extent, the conflict was resolved.
It is not our duty on appellate review to search for means of reversing the trial court, but rather it is our duty to affirm if we can find a constitutional method of so doing. Lem’Mons was convicted by a jury of one of the most serious crimes known to our civilization. I would hold the conflict of interest was removed by Peterson’s plea of guilty, but if the conflict had a residue of taint, I would rule it harmless error in light of the evidence against Lem’Mons. I would affirm.