Strickland v. Washington

Facts

Respondent was charged with three counts of murder, multiple counts of robbery, kidnapping, and assault, among other crimes. Counsel actively pursued discovery and pretrial motions. However, against counsel’s advice, the respondent confessed to the first two murders. Respondent then pled guilty to all charges, once again against counsel’s advice. Counsel further advised that the respondent invoke his right under Florida law for an advisory jury on the capital sentencing hearing, however, Respondent again rejected the advice and waived his right. Counsel decided not to look further into evidence of respondent’s character and emotional state, but did move to exclude from the sentencing hearing certain evidence he thought was potentially damaging. At the sentencing hearing, counsel argued that respondent’s remorse and acceptance of responsibility justified sparing him the death penalty. However, the judge found numerous aggravating circumstances and that there was insufficient mitigating circumstances. Respondent ultimately received three death sentences and a prison term for the other crimes.