[wideawake]

His defense attorney declined to make a closing statement.

In other words, he deliberately left the door open for a mistrial on appeal, on the grounds of incompetent reprsentation.

Criminal defense attorneys are scum.

[AnAmericanMother]

Ineffective assistance of counsel has a very high standard to show. There are tactical reasons for declining to give closing . . . and unless counsel admits at the motion for new trial that he was incompetent, that pretty much ends the matter right there. And even the very worst lawyers are reluctant to admit it on the record . . . because then they are out of work!

Virtually all IAC claims are rejected out of hand. And once that verdict is in, it REALLY limits the defendant's options.

[mlc9852]

"Criminal defense attorneys are scum."

Except when they are representing someone innocent.

[steel_resolve]

yeah, but really, what is he going to say? He knows he's a goner anyway.

[CDHart]

"Criminal defense attorneys are scum."

Some are, yes, but they are necessary to our system of justice which works most of the time.

Carolyn

[Nick5]

"criminal defense attorneys are scum"

By your statement, what are you suggesting? That defendants in criminal cases not be represented? What's the alternative?