State v. Stevens

Citations

• 2026 Ohio 636

Syllabus

CRIMINAL-POSTCONVICTION PROCEEDINGS - Trial court did not abuse its discretion in finding that appellant failed to establish that key witness's testimony was actually false or that the State knew that the testimony was false where nothing in the record or affidavit in support of postconviction petition substantiates these claims; trial court did not abuse its discretion in declining to find deficient performance that affected the outcome of appellant's trial where trial counsel did not choose to attempt impeachment of key witness with recorded statement; key witness was shown to be a convicted felon and liar via other impeachment; transcription of key witness's earlier interview demonstrated only potentially damaging statements; and it was mere speculation to conclude that had counsel impeached key witness with earlier statement that jurors would somehow have reached a different conclusion.