La. Admin. Code tit. 22 § XV-1135

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section XV-1135 - Presenting the Respondent's Case

A. Counsel should develop, in consultation with the client, an overall defense strategy. In deciding on defense strategy, counsel should consider whether the client's interests are best served by not putting on a defense case, and instead relying on the prosecution's failure to meet its burden of proving its case by a preponderance of the evidence.

B. Counsel should discuss with the client all of the considerations relevant to the client's decision to testify. Counsel should also be familiar with his or her ethical responsibilities that may be applicable if the client insists on testifying untruthfully. Counsel should explain to the client the constitutional right to not testify and weigh the value of doing so with the client.

C. In preparing for presentation of a defense case, counsel should, where appropriate:

1. develop a plan for direct examination of each potential defense witness;

2. determine the implications that the order of witnesses may have on the defense case;

3. determine what facts necessary for the defense case can be elicited through the cross-examination of the prosecution's witnesses;

4. consider the possible use of character witnesses;

5. consider the need for expert witnesses and what evidence must be submitted to lay the foundation for the expert's testimony;

6. review all documentary evidence that must be presented; and

7. review all tangible evidence that must be presented.

D. In developing and presenting the defense case, counsel should consider the implications it may have for a rebuttal by the prosecutor.

E. Counsel should prepare all witnesses for direct and possible cross-examination. Where appropriate, counsel should also advise witnesses of suitable courtroom dress and demeanor.

F. Counsel should conduct redirect examination as appropriate.

G. At the close of the defense case, counsel should renew the motion for a finding that the child is not in need of care.

La. Admin. Code tit. 22, § XV-1135

Promulgated by the Office of the Governor, Public Defender Board, LR 37:329 (January 2011).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 15:148.