What is a Marsden hearing?

A Marsden motion is a formal request made by a criminal defendant to the court. The court hears arguments on the motion from the defendant and the attorney, without the presence of the prosecutor.

How do you make a Marsden motion?

To win on a Marsden motion, the defendant must show that her attorney is providing inadequate representation, or that they have an irreconcilable conflict that would result in inadequate representation. This is a legal standard.

What is a Faretta motion?

A Faretta motion is a petition that criminal defendants file with the court seeking permission to represent themselves, that is act as their own attorney, in a criminal proceeding. This is commonly referred to as going “pro per.” The name of the motion comes from a Supreme Court case, Faretta v. California.

Why it is difficult for defendants to prove that their attorney was incompetent or that they received inadequate representation in the legal cases?

Proving legal malpractice in a criminal matter can be difficult, because courts tend to defer to attorneys. Thus, they presume that the accused attorney provided “reasonable professional assistance” to the former client.

What is a Serna motion?

A “Serna motion” is a legal motion to dismiss misdemeanor or felony charges because the defendant was denied their constitutional right to a speedy trial, which violates California's fast and speedy trial law.

Public Defender Marsden

What is the Romero motion?

A Romero Motion is a request to have a prior conviction that was designated as a strike to be treated as a non-strike so that any sentence imposed for your current offense is not enhanced.

What is a 1538.5 motion?

A Penal Code 1538.5 motion to suppress evidence is a pretrial motion asking the court to exclude evidence obtained by illegal search and seizure.

What is the test to determine if a defendant was denied an effective assistance of counsel?

To prove ineffective assistance, a defendant must show (1) that their trial lawyer's performance fell below an "objective standard of reasonableness" and (2) "a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different." Strickland v.

What is the legal test to determine an attorney is so incompetent as to violate the constitutional right of counsel quizlet?

To establish the ineffective assistance of counsel, a convicted defendant must show that his counsel's performance was deficient because the lawyer did not act as a reasonably competent attorney, and that he was prejudiced by the deficiency because there is a reasonable probability that, but for his attorney's ...

What are some of the factors that contribute to wrongful convictions?

What is a 1368 hearing?

1. What is required under California Penal Code Section 1368? Under California law, this code section requires the judge presiding over a criminal case to do two things if he/she believes a defendant is mentally incompetent.

What is pc1385?

Penal Code § 1385 allows a judge to dismiss a case “in furtherance of justice” without even a request to do so by the defense attorney or defendant. This provision is rarely exercised by a judge without a request by the prosecutor.

What is nolo contendere in legal proceedings?

In a criminal proceeding, a defendant may enter a plea of nolo contendere, in which the defendant does not accept or deny responsibility for the charges but agrees to accept punishment. The plea differs from a guilty plea because a "no contest" plea cannot be used against the defendant in another cause of action.

What to do if your public defender is not doing his job?

You can request the court for a new public defender. The judge in charge of your case will then switch public defenders on your case. If you are successful, the judge will appoint a new public defender to represent you.

What is a Boykin Tahl plea?

When a defendant enters into a “guilty” or “no contest” plea he or she must make a knowing and voluntary waiver of the right to a jury trial, the right to confront witnesses and the right against self-incrimination, otherwise the plea is not valid and unconstitutional.

What is a Nelson hearing in Florida?

A Nelson hearing is a hearing to determine whether or not a court appointed attorney should be removed from a particular case. This happens in instances where the lawyer is deemed not to have given competent or adequate counsel in some way. It is up to the defendant to make application to the court for this.

What is one of the most important tasks of defense attorneys?

First and foremost, the most important job of your criminal defense attorney is to fight for you and defend you in the court of law. According to the American Bar Association, the primary responsibility of a criminal defense attorney is to advocate for their clients and defend their rights.

Which of the following is an example of ineffective counsel?

Proving Ineffectiveness of Counsel

Examples of ineffective, or deficient assistance by a counsel include the following: Not enlisting experts to challenge the prosecution's physical evidence. Not investigating the prosecution's witnesses. Failure to investigate alibi's or alibi witnesses.

What does you have the right to remain silent mean?

Before I ask you any questions I must tell you that you have the right to remain silent. This means you do not have to say anything, answer any question or make any statement unless you wish to do so. However, if you do say something or make a statement, it may later be used as evidence.

What is inadequate representation?

“Inadequate legal representation” can have major consequences for a criminal proceeding. Basically, if the legal representation is not adequate, it may actually justify the court throwing out a verdict of guilty. This may require the case to be entirely retried.

What is insufficient assistance?

Ineffective assistance of counsel is a claim asserted by a criminal defendant that his or her defense attorney failed to perform in a reasonably competent manner.

What is presumed prejudice?

Prejudice Presumed: The Decision to Concede Guilt to Lesser Offenses during Opening Statements.

What is the maximum sentence that one can serve for misdemeanors?

Standard California misdemeanors are offenses that are usually punishable by a maximum of: 6 months in county jail, and /or. A fine of up to $1,000.

What is a 1538 motion?

What is a 1538.5 motion? Simply put, California Penal Code section 1538.5 PC authorizes a California criminal defendant to move for. the exclusion of any evidence that is the product of an unlawful search and seizure, and/or. the return of any property that was illegally seized.

What is exculpatory evidence?

Evidence, such as a statement, tending to excuse, justify, or absolve the alleged fault or guilt of a defendant.