The Strickland Standard
Under the Supreme Court case Strickland v. Washington, a defendant must prove two things to win an IAC claim: (1) their lawyer's performance was deficient, and (2) that deficiency prejudiced the defense. This is an incredibly high bar. Yet, in DC, it happens with alarming frequency.
Case Archive
Case: United States v. [Redacted]
Issue: Failure to investigate alibi.
Details: Defense counsel failed to interview three witnesses who placed the defendant at a birthday party during the time of the robbery. The attorney claimed he "didn't have time" due to his caseload.
Outcome: Conviction vacated.
Case: In re [Juvenile]
Issue: Failure to understand the law.
Details: Counsel advised the juvenile client to plead guilty to a charge that did not legally exist under DC Code for a minor. The lawyer was unaware of the specific juvenile statute.
Outcome: Plea withdrawn.
Case: United States v. [Defendant]
Issue: Sleeping during trial.
Details: Multiple jurors and the bailiff observed defense counsel falling asleep during the cross-examination of the key government witness.
Outcome: Mistrial declared.