State v. Pursley
Annotate this CaseAfter a jury trial, Defendant was convicted of simple assault. Defendant appealed, arguing that the prosecutor’s reference to Defendant’s attorney in cross-examination and closing argument violated his Sixth Amendment right to counsel and deprived him of a fair trial. The Supreme Court affirmed Defendant’s convictions, holding (1) under the circumstances of this case, the prosecutor’s statements improperly suggested to the jury that Defendant and his defense counsel concocted a false defense to avoid a guilty verdict; but (2) a new trial was not warranted because Defendant was not prejudiced.
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