On what grounds can defense counsel be ineffective counsel in a criminal case?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Stallman, F067182 (Cal. App. 2014):

On the other hand, defense counsel may be found ineffective where "there simply could be no satisfactory explanation" for counsel's failure to object. (People v. Carter (2003) 30 Cal.4th 1166, 1211.) Furthermore, with respect to unfavorable sentencing

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issues, "a defense attorney who fails to adequately understand the available sentencing alternatives, promote their proper application, or pursue the most advantageous disposition for his client may be found incompetent." (People v. Scott (1994) 9 Cal.4th 331, 351.)

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