State v. Bates

Citations

• 2024 Ohio 2909

Syllabus

Ineffective assistance of counsel Strickland v. Washington defense strategy cross-examination failure to object closing argument manifest weight of the evidence inconsistent testimony allied offenses of similar import merger R.C. 2941.25 plain error sufficiency of the evidence gross sexual imposition sexual contact kidnapping remove. Defendant-appellant did not receive ineffective assistance of counsel where trial counsel stipulated to defendant-appellant's prior conviction for a sex offense against a young girl as a deliberate aspect of their trial strategy. It was not ineffective for trial counsel not to object to statements made during the assistant prosecuting attorney's closing argument. Defendant-appellant's convictions were not against the manifest weight of the evidence and were supported by sufficient evidence. It was not plain error for the trial court to decline to merge the kidnapping and gross sexual imposition convictions.