Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724 (Del. 2014). · Go Syfert
Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724 (Del. 2014). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
161 citation events (161 in the last 25 years) across 4 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: State v. Lindsey (delsuperct, 2023-03-16)
Treatment trajectory · 2014 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
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Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Lindsey
Del. Super. Ct. · 2023 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
if an attorney makes a strategic choice 'after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options,' that decision is 'virtually unchallengeable' . . .
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Madison
Del. Super. Ct. · 2022 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
if an attorney makes a strategic choice 'after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options,' that decision is 'virtually unchallengeable.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Owens (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2021 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
as we have already noted, none of hoskins' individual claims of ineffective assistance have merit because of a failure to show prejudice. hoskins' claim of cumulative error is without merit.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Gregg
Del. Super. Ct. · 2021 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
if an attorney makes a strategic choice 'after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options,' that decision is 'virtually unchallengeable' . . .
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Cruz-Webster
Del. Super. Ct. · 2020 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
mere allegations of ineffectiveness will not suffice. a defendant must make specific allegations of actual prejudice and substantiate them.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Ryle
Del. Super. Ct. · 2019 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
if an attorney makes a strategic choice 'after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options,' that decision is 'virtually unchallengeable'...
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Adkins
Del. Super. Ct. · 2019 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
if an attorney makes a strategic choice 'after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options,' that decision is "virtually unchallengeable'...
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Romeo
Del. Super. Ct. · 2019 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
bsent any prejudice to the defendant, we will not reverse as an abuse of discretion a trial court's decision to admit evidence based upon the technical requirements of 3507.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Walsh
Del. Super. Ct. · 2018 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
if an attorney makes a strategic choice 'after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options,' that decision is 'virtually unchallengeable' . . .
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Coverdale
Del. Super. Ct. · 2018 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
lf an attorney makes a strategic choice 'after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options,' that decision is 'virtually unchallengeable' . . .
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Barnhart
Del. Super. Ct. · 2017 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
if an attorney makes a strategic choice 'after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options,' that decision is 'virtually unchallengeable' . . .
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Ellerbe
Del. Super. Ct. · 2016 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
if an attorney makes a strategic choice 'after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options,' that decision is 'virtually unchallengeable' . . .
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Leonard M. Taylor
Del. Super. Ct. · 2016 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
thus, for cases decided before brooks, our analysis on postconviction review of a bland claim is governed by the case law controlling at the time of the trial.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Stevenson v. State (2×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
Del. · 2016 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
court need not determine whether counsel's performance was deficient before examining the prejudice suffered by the defendant as a result of the alleged deficiencies.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State of Delaware v. Rivera. (2×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
Del. Super. Ct. · 2015 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
in particular, a court need not determine whether counsel's performance was deficient before examining the prejudice suffered by the defendant as a result of the alleged deficiencies.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Wiliams
Del. Super. Ct. · 2026 · confidence medium
Moreover, to raise a severance claim on direct appeal when it was not raised in the trial court, Defendant’s argument would be limited on appeal because the Supreme Court generally declines to review contentions not fairly presented to the trial court for decision unless the justices find “that the trial court committed plain error requiring review in the interests of justice.” This standard requires an error so “clearly prejudicial to [a defendant’s] substantial rights as to jeopardize the very fairness and integrity of the trial process.” 146 And here, Defendant has failed to art…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Earl
Del. Super. Ct. · 2026 · confidence medium
To satisfy the performance prong, Mr. Earl must show that counsel’s conduct fell below an objective standard of reasonableness—such “that no reasonable lawyer would have conducted the defense as his lawyer did.”27 There is always a strong presumption that counsel’s representation was reasonable.28 “Judicial scrutiny of counsel’s performance [is] highly deferential.”29 It is now well-accepted, that where “an attorney makes a strategic choice after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options, the presumption that an attorney acted reasonably is 24 Stri…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Gordon (2×) also: Cited "see"
Del. Super. Ct. · 2025 · confidence medium
Super. 2022) (citing Burns v. State, 76 A.3d 780, 788 (Del. 2013); Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014)). 81 Cf. Kellam v. State, -- A.3d --, 2025 WL 1375495 , at *13 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Herbert (2×)
Del. Super. Ct. · 2025 · confidence medium
Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014) (citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687 (1984). 8 Mot. for Postconviction Relief at 3. 9 Id. 10 Id. 3 particular picture should have been admitted is not, generally, such a ruling.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Perrigan (2×)
Del. Super. Ct. · 2025 · confidence medium
June 3, 2003). 39 Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 729 (Del. 2014) (holding a direct appeal for plain error does not preclude an ineffective assistance of counsel claim under Rule 61(i)(4)). 40 Super.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Kent v. State
Del. · 2025 · confidence medium
Jan. 2, 2025). 62 466 U.S. 668 (1984). 63 Cooke, 2025 WL 16395 , at *24 (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688 ). 64 Id. 65 Id. (citing Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014)). 18 deferential.” 66 “Courts ‘must indulge a strong presumption that counsel’s conduct falls within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.’” 67 In his effort to rebut this strong presumption, Kent bears the burden of persuasion. 68 Even if Kent is successful in showing that his counsel’s actions were objectively unreasonable, “Strickland’s second part – the prejudice prong – pr…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Brisco v. State
Del. · 2025 · confidence medium
Additionally, Brisco claims that his trial 29 Id. at 688 . 30 Id. at 694 . 31 Green v. State, 238 A.3d 160 , 174 (Del. 2020) (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689 ). 32 Purnell v. State, 106 A.3d 337, 342 (Del. 2014) (quoting Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014)). 33 See Green, 238 A.3d at 174. 34 Cullen v. Pinholster, 563 U.S. 170, 189 (2011). 13 counsel was ineffective for informing Brisco that he had a “definitive alibi,” which in turn influenced Brisco’s decision to reject the State’s plea offer.35 (24) Brisco claims that it was unreasonable for his trial counsel to argue…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Tucker v. State
Del. · 2025 · confidence medium
The State had several opportunities to correct the misstatements during trial after the court advised the State to make sure that it was identifying the correct 45 Owens v. State, 301 A.3d 580 , 595 (Del. 2023) (citing Michaels v. State, 970 A.2d 223, 231 (Del. 2009)). 46 Starling v. State, 130 A.3d 316, 336 (Del. 2015) (alteration in original) (quoting Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 735 (Del. 2014)). 13 versions of the statutory offense.47 When the State finally attempted to correct the errors, it created new ones by alleging that T.A. was sixteen at the time of the alleged 47 App. to Openin…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Williams
Del. Super. Ct. · 2024 · confidence medium
Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Lolley
Del. Super. Ct. · 2024 · confidence medium
Aug. 30, 2024). 31 2024 WL 3813471 , at *4 (first quoting 466 U.S. at 689 ; and then citing Salih v. State, 962 A.2d 257 , 257 (Del. 2008) (TABLE)). 32 State v. Williams, 2024 WL 4024979 , at *4 (emphasis added) (citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. at 687–88; Somerville v. State, 703 A.2d 629, 631 (Del. 1997); Premo v. Moore, 562 U.S. 115 , 121–22 (2011)). 33 Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Matthews v. State
Del. · 2024 · confidence medium
Failure to do so was deficient under Strickland. 118 Id. at 330. 119 See Panuski v. State, 41 A.3d 416 , 421–22 (Del. 2012). 120 Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014). 121 See Starling, 130 A.3d at 325 (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694 ). 122 See Ploof v. State, 75 A.3d at 821 (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 693–94). 25 1.
cited Cited as authority (rule) In re Delaware Public Schools Litigation
Del. Ch. · 2024 · confidence medium
Sept. 10, 2015)). 27 Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 729 (Del. 2014) (citation omitted). 28 AlixPartners, LLP v. Mori, 2022 WL 1111404 , at *11 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Tisinger
Del. Super. Ct. · 2024 · confidence medium
Sept. 23, 1994). % Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 729 (Del. 2014) (quoting Kenton v. Kenton, 571 A.2d 778, 784 (Del. 1990)); see also Nationwide Emerging Managers, LLC v. Northpointe Holdings, LLC, 112 A.3d 878, 894-95 (Del. 2015) (“Under the ‘law of the case doctrine,’ a court’s legal ruling at an earlier stage of proceedings controls later stages of those proceedings, provided the facts underlying the ruling do not change.” (emphasis added)). % Wright, 131 A.3d at 321 (internal citations omitted). 5 Jd. (internal citations omitted). 18 The month after his sentencing, when Defendan…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Calhoun
Del. Super. Ct. · 2024 · confidence medium
Ct. 2022) (cleaned up), aff’d, 299 A.3d 1 (Del. 2023); Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014). 113 Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694 ; Flamer v. State, 585 A.2d 736, 753 (Del. 1990). 114 Sierra, 242 A.3d at 572 (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 693 ). 115 Id. (quoting Outten, 720 A.2d at 552 ). 116 State v. Manley, 2014 WL 2621317 , at *7 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Johnson v. State
Del. · 2023 · confidence medium
Without this evidence, it would be difficult to impeach Mohammed’s other damaging testimony such as his statement 14 Purnell v. State, 106 A.3d 337, 342 (Del. 2014) (quoting Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (2014)). 15 Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694 . 16 Ploof, 75 A.3d at 821 (citing Strickland, 466 U.S. at 693–94). 17 Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694 . 18 A failure to seek a potentially meritorious motion to suppress is not unreasonable where doing so would undermine trial strategy.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Hunt
Del. Super. Ct. · 2023 · confidence medium
Mot. for Postconviction Relief ¶ 10. 13 Id. ¶ 20. 14 Id. ¶ 25. 15 Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 694 (1984); Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014). 16 Gattis v. State, 697 A.2d 1174, 1178 (Del. 1997). 17 Id. at 1178 . (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689 ); Wright v. State, 671 A.2d 1353, 1356 (Del. 1996). 5 by the Sixth Amendment.”18 The second prong requires a defendant to prove that the trial counsel’s error resulted in prejudice.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Owens v. State
Del. · 2023 · confidence medium
It follows that trial counsel’s decision not to call the witnesses did not deprive Owens of the effective assistance of counsel. 65 Id. at 689–90 66 Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014) (quoting Gattis v. State, 697 A.2d 1174, 1178 (Del. 1997)). 67 Ploof v. State, 75 A.3d 840, 852 (Del. 2013) (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690–91). 26 Having upheld the Superior Court’s determination that trial counsel’s performance was not deficient, we need not address the issue of prejudice.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Goodman
Del. Super. Ct. · 2023 · confidence medium
Ct. 2022) (alteration in original) (quoting Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014)). 35 Id. at 687 (citing Burns v. State, 76 A.3d 780, 788 (Del. 2013); Hoskins, 102 A.3d at 730 ). -9- helpful to his client’s case.”36 After reviewing the facts available to him—which appears to include more than just the State’s proffers—and applicable law, sentencing counsel decided it was best not to challenge the State’s document submissions and risk a worse picture of Mr. Goodman’s criminal past at his sentencing proceeding where the State was seeking the statutory maximum.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Winningham v. State
Del. · 2023 · confidence medium
And the risk of harm of a fully-loaded tractor trailer driving down an interstate at 36 Corrected Opening Br. at 17. 37 Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 728 (Del. 2014). 38 For a jury trial, “this Court will reverse only if [a] deficiency [in the jury instructions] undermined the ability of the jury ‘to intelligently perform its duty in returning a verdict.’” Probst v. State, 547 A.2d 114, 119 (Del. 1988) (quoting Storey v. Castner, 314 A.2d 187, 194 (Del. 1973)). 39 Verdict Tr. at 12. 40 App. to Corrected Opening Br. at A331 (State’s closing) (“And so as it relates to Counts 1, 2, …
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Johnson
Del. Super. Ct. · 2023 · confidence medium
Peters, 283 A.3d at 687 (citing Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014)); Burns, 76 A.3d at 788 ). -7- facts.”37 And the reasonableness of trial counsel’s actions cannot be measured by whether the strategy was successful.38 (18) Trial counsel made a strategic decision to not challenge the out-of-court identification so that he could use it to impeach Mr. Mohammed and, in turn, the entirety of the police investigation.
examined Cited as authority (rule) State v. Peters (6×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2022 · confidence medium
Second, the ‘he said, she said’ nature of the 151 Hoskins, 102 A.3d at 730 (quotation marks and citations omitted). 152 Green v. State, 238 A.3d 160 , 178 (Del. 2020) (citing Premo v. Moore, 562 U.S. 115 , 124 (2011)). 153 Id. (alteration in original) (quoting White v. Singletary, 972 F.2d 1218, 1220 (11th Cir. 1992)). 154 Hoskins, 102 A.3d at 730 (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687 ). 155 State v. Benson, 2009 WL 406795 , at *6 (Del.
cited Cited as authority (rule) State v. Hoskins
Del. Super. Ct. · 2022 · confidence medium
Super., ID No. 0809018844 (January 28, 2014) (ORDER) (adopting Comm’r Report of June 28, 2013). 3 Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 735 (Del. 2014). 4 Hoskins v. Pierce, 217 F. Supp. 3d 798, 813 (D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Alix Partners, LLP v. Giacomo Mori
Del. Ch. · 2022 · confidence medium
As such, the court will not revisit its earlier rulings.113 110 Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 729 (Del. 2014) (citation omitted). 111 Sciabacucchi v. Malone, 2021 WL 3662394 , at *1 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Escalera v. State
Del. · 2021 · confidence medium
As a preliminary matter, 6 Green v. State, 238 A.3d 160 , 175 (Del. 2020). 7 466 U.S. 668 (1984). 8 Id. at 687-88 . 9 Green, 238 A.3d at 174. 10 Albury v. State, 551 A.2d 53, 59 (Del. 1988). 11 Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). 4 Escalera has waived any arguments made below but not briefed on appeal.12 And the claims Escalera raises on appeal are unavailing. (7) Escalera’s first two arguments—his ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claims—mirror those that he made below.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Continental Investors Fund LLC v. Tradingscreen Inc.
Del. Ch. · 2021 · confidence medium
“The ‘law of the case’ is established when a specific legal principle is applied to an issue presented by facts which remain constant throughout the subsequent course of the same litigation.” Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 729 (Del. 2014) (quoting Kenton v. Kenton, 571 A.2d 778, 784 (Del. 1990)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Ray
Del. Super. Ct. · 2021 · confidence medium
A “[f]inding on direct appeal that the trial court did not commit plain error does not equate to a prior adjudication of [defendant’s] ineffective assistance of counsel claim.” Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014).
cited Cited as authority (rule) State v. Dunnell
Del. Super. Ct. · 2021 · confidence medium
March 25, 2015). 95 Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014). 25 44.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Stokes v. State
Del. · 2021 · confidence medium
His arguments are unavailing. (6) As a preliminary matter, because Stokes did not present his new claims of ineffective assistance of counsel to the Superior Court, we would not ordinarily entertain them on appeal.12 In any event, Stokes’ claims are belied by the record, which supports the conclusion that Stokes knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily pleaded guilty to PFBPP with a full understanding of the potential penalty that he 9 Somerville v. State, 703 A.2d 629, 631 (Del. 1997) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). 10 Albury v. State, 551 A.2d 53, 59 (Del. 1988). 11 Hosk…
examined Cited as authority (rule) Swan v. State (3×)
Del. · 2021 · confidence medium
The 60 Id. 61 Id. 62 Burger v. Kemp, 483 U.S. 776, 796 (1987) (quoting United States v. Cronic, 466 U.S. 648, 665, n.38 (1984)). 63 Green, 238 A.3d at 174. 64 Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014). 65 Green, 238 A.3d at 174 (citing Atkins v. Zenk, 667 F.3d 939, 945 (7th Cir. 2012)). 11 likelihood of a different result must be substantial not just conceivable.66 Swan also asserts numerous claims that the State failed to produce evidence in violation of requirements established by the United States Supreme Court in Brady v. Maryland.67 In the context of a Rule 61 motion for postconvict…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Smith v. State
Del. · 2021 · confidence medium
Ct. Mar. 16, 2020). 2 (4) We review the Superior Court’s denial of postconviction relief for abuse of discretion.3 We review de novo claims of constitutional violations, including claims of ineffective assistance of counsel.4 In order to prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must demonstrate that (i) trial counsel’s representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness,5 and (ii) there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.6 Although not insurmountable, there is a stron…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) DNREC v. Food & Water Watch
Del. · 2021 · confidence medium
This Court has recognized that “the doctrine of law of the case does not bar ‘reconsideration of a prior decision that is clearly wrong, produces an injustice[,] or should be revisited because of changed circumstances.’” State v. Wright, 131 A.3d 310, 321 (Del. 2016) (quoting Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 729 (Del. 2014)); see also Sherman v. State Dep't of Pub.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Jackson
Del. Super. Ct. · 2020 · confidence medium
Sept. 4, 2015) (trial counsel’s investigation based upon review of police reports and eyewitness testimony was adequate). *4 Purnell v. State, 106 A.3d 337, 342 (Del. 2014), quoting Hoskins v. State, 2014 WL 4722716, at *3 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Smith
Del. Super. Ct. · 2020 · confidence medium
Specifically, Defendant argues that the Jail Comment caused prejudice because “the jury could have drawn impermissible inferences about why [Defendant] was in jail . . . [and] could have speculated that 33 Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014) (quoting Gattis v. State, 697 A.2d 1174, 1178 (Del. 1997)). 34 See id. 35 See Trial Counsel’s Aff.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Marie Ann Hurd v. Leonard Hurd, Jr.
Del. Ch. · 2020 · confidence medium
In the Receivership Order issued on February 10, 2017, I ordered that Junior “is suspended 41 Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 729 (Del. 2014) (internal quotations omitted) (citing Kenton v. Kenton, 571 A.2d 778, 784 (Del. 1990)). 42 Ch.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Nastatos v. State
Del. · 2019 · confidence medium
Opening Br. at 13 n.11; see id. at 38- 43. 14 466 U.S. 668 (1984). 15 Id. at 687 ; Hoskins v. State, 102 A.3d 724, 730 (Del. 2014). 16 Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 694 . 17 Id. at 694 . 18 Id. at 693 . 8 is no need to address the other.19 “In particular, a court need not determine whether counsel’s performance was deficient before examining the prejudice suffered by the defendant as a result of the alleged deficiencies.”20 (17) The Superior Court approached the prejudice prong first.
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Tremein HOSKINS, Defendant Below-Appellant,
v.
STATE of Delaware, Plaintiff Below-Appellee
71, 2014.
Supreme Court of Delaware.
Sep 22, 2014.
102 A.3d 724
Santino Ceccotti, Esquire, of Wilmington, Delaware for Appellant., John Williams, Esquire, of the Department of Justice, Dover, Delaware for Ap-pellee.
Holland, Ridgely, Strine.
Cited by 87 opinions  |  Published
RIDGELY, Justice:

Defendant-Below/Appellant Tremein Hoskins appeals from a Superior Court order denying his Rule 61 Motion for Post-conviction Relief following his conviction of murder second degree. Hoskins raises five arguments on appeal, all related to the performance of his trial counsel. First, Hoskins argues that the Superior Court erred in relying on his counsel’s affidavit in response to Hoskins’ Motion for Post-conviction Relief, creating a structural error that violated his Sixth Amendment right to counsel. Second, Hoskins contends that his counsel was ineffective when he failed to request an accomplice credibility jury instruction. Third, Hoskins argues that his counsel was ineffective when he failed to request a single theory unanimity jury instruction. Fourth, Hoskins contends his trial counsel was ineffective when he failed to object to the admissibility of out-of-court statements made by his accomplice. And fifth, Hoskins argues that the cumulative effect of trial counsel’s actions resulted in an unfair trial.

We find no merit to Hoskins’ appeal. Accordingly, we affirm.

I. Facts and Procedural History 1

On December 10, 2009, Hoskins was convicted in Superior Court of Murder in the Second Degree for his involvement in the shooting death of Brandon Beard. He[*728] appealed his conviction to this Court, claiming that the Superior Court committed plain error by failing to give jury instructions on accomplice credibility and single theory unanimity and by admitting his accomplice’s out-of-court statements without technically complying with the foundation requirements of 11 Del. C. § 3507. [2] We found no merit to Hoskins’ appeal and affirmed.

In 2012, Hoskins, through new counsel, filed a Motion for Postconviction Relief under Delaware Superior Court Criminal Rule 61, requesting a new trial on the grounds of ineffective assistance of counsel. The trial judge referred Hoskins’ motion to a Superior Court Commissioner for proposed findings and recommendation pursuant to 10 Del. C. § 512(b)(1)(b) [3] and Superior Court Criminal Rule 62(a)(5). [4] The Commissioner ordered Hoskins’ trial counsel to file an affidavit with the court. In his affidavit, trial counsel admitted to “oversights” with regard to the accomplice credibility instruction and the accomplice’s out-of-court statements but denied that any of the actions advanced by Hoskins amounted to ineffective assistance of counsel. The Commissioner agreed, finding that none of the grounds that Hoskins alleged prejudiced him. Hoskins objected to the Commissioner’s report before the Superior Court judge. He argued that the Commissioner’s reliance on trial counsel’s affidavit was improper and that the Commissioner erred in not finding trial counsel’s failure to request the accomplice credibility instruction to be ineffective assistance of counsel. The Superior Court judge conducted a de novo review, adopted the Commissioner’s report and recommendation, and denied postconviction relief. This appeal followed.

II. Discussion

“We review a Superior Court judge’s denial of a Rule 61 motion for postconviction relief for abuse of discretion.” [5] Constitutional questions and other questions of law are reviewed de novo. 6 “We generally decline to review contentions not raised below and not fairly presented to the trial court for decision’ unless we find ‘that the trial court committed plain error requiring review in the interests of justice.’ ” [7] This standard requires an “error so ‘clearly prejudicial to [a defendant’s] substantial rights as to jeopardize the very fairness and integrity of the trial process.” [8]

Reliance on Hoskins’ Trial Counsel’s Affidavit

Hoskins first contends that this Court should reverse because the Commissioner relied upon his trial counsel’s affidavit, which included legal arguments[*729] contrary to Hoskins’ interest. Hoskins argues that this affidavit violated the Delaware Lawyers’ Rules of Professional Responsibility and should not have been considered by the Commissioner.

Supreme Court Rule 8 provides that “[o]nly questions fairly presented to the trial court may be presented for review; provided, however, that when the interests of justice so require, [this] Court may consider and determine any question not so presented.” [9] Hoskins did not move to strike trial counsel’s affidavit at the proceeding before the Commissioner. Instead, he objected to it for the first time on appeal to the Superior Court trial judge— well after the Commissioner issued her report and recommendation. The Superi- or Court then rejected Hoskins’ argument, finding that trial counsel did not make legal arguments contrary to Hoskins’ intent, but “simply briefly summarized some of the known evidence,” and that “the Commissioner analyzed the evidence herself.” [10] The trial judge also reviewed the evidence against Hoskins in his de novo review of the judgment. In any case, because Hoskins failed to raise this issue in the first instance below, his first claim is waived. Even if not waived, Hoskins has not shown reversible error.

Hoskins’ Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Claims

Hoskins’ remaining claims all allege instances of ineffective assistance of counsel in violation of the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The State answers that Hoskins’ ineffective assistance claims are procedurally barred under Superior Court Rule 61 (i) and under the law of the case doctrine.

Rule 61(i)(4) provides that “[a]ny ground for relief that was formerly adjudicated ... in an appeal, [or] in a postconviction proceeding ... is thereafter barred....” [11] Similarly, “[u]nder the law of the case doctrine, issues resolved by this Court on appeal bind the trial court on remand, and tend to bind this Court should the case return on appeal after remand.” [12] “The ‘law of the case’ is established when a specific legal principle is applied to an issue presented by facts which remain constant throughout the subsequent course of the same litigation.” [13] “The law of the case doctrine requires that there must be some closure to matters already decided in a given case by the highest court of a particular jurisdiction ...” [14] Yet the doctrine “is not inflexible in that, unlike res judicata, it is not an absolute bar to reconsideration of a prior decision that is clearly wrong, produces an injustice or should be revisited because of changed circumstances.” [15]

Despite the State’s arguments, neither Superior Court Rule 61(i)(4) nor the law of the case doctrine bars this Court’s consideration of Hoskins’ ineffective assistance of counsel claims. Finding on direct appeal that the trial court did not commit plain error does not equate to a prior adjudication of Hoskins’ ineffective assistance of counsel claim. Even though the law of the case doctrine may guide[*730] elements of our analysis, it does not bar Hoskins from making an ineffective assistance of counsel claim, which is a separate issue from whether the trial judge plainly erred. Thus, the State’s contention that Hoskins’ ineffective assistance claims are procedurally barred is without merit.

Turning to the merits of Hoskins’ appeal, an ineffective assistance of counsel claim requires a defendant to satisfy the two-pronged test set out in Strickland v. Washington, [16] First, the defendant must show that counsel’s performance was deficient, “meaning that ‘counsel’s representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness.’ ” [17] If counsel is shown to be deficient, then the defendant must demonstrate prejudice from counsel’s error. [18]

A defendant bears a heavy burden when trying to show that trial counsel’s representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness. [19] In order to eliminate “the distorting effects of hindsight,” there is a strong presumption that trial counsel’s representation was professionally reasonable. [20] “If an attorney makes a strategic choice ‘after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options,’ that decision is ‘virtually unchallengeable’_” [21] Thus, the defendant must show “that counsel made errors so serious that counsel was not functioning as the ‘counsel’ guaranteed the defendant by the Sixth Amendment.” [22]

Strickland’s second prong requires the defendant to show how counsel’s error resulted in prejudice. Prejudice is defined as “a reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.” [23] “Mere allegations of ineffectiveness will not suffice. A defendant must make specific allegations of actual prejudice and substantiate them.” [24] The “failure to state with particularity the nature of the prejudice experienced is fatal to a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.” [25] “In particular, a court need not determine whether counsel’s performance was deficient before examining the prejudice suffered by the defendant as a result of the alleged deficiencies.” [26]

1. Trial Counsel’s Failure to Request an Accomplice Credibility Instruction Did Not Constitute Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

In Delaware, “[a] defendant has no right to have the jury instructed in[*731] a particular form. However, a defendant is entitled to have the jury instructed with a correct statement of the substantive law.” [27] In Bland, v. State, this Court suggested a model instruction that trial judges should provide where there is conflicting testimony of an accomplice. The instruction provides:

A portion of the evidence presented by the State is the testimony of admitted participants in the crime with which these defendants are charged. For obvious reasons, the testimony of an alleged accomplice should be examined by you with suspicion and great caution. This rule becomes particularly important when there is nothing in the evidence, direct or circumstantial, to corroborate the alleged accomplices’ accusation that these defendants participated in the crime. Without such corroboration, you should not find the defendants guilty unless, after careful examination of the alleged accomplices’ testimony, you are satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that it is true and that you may safely rely upon it. Of course, if you are so satisfied, you would be justified in relying upon it, despite the lack of corroboration, and in finding the defendants guilty. [28]

In the years following Bland, we rejected challenges where the instructions departed from the specific wording in Bland. On multiple occasions we found accomplice testimony instructions acceptable “so long as they are accurate and adequately explain the potential problems -with accomplice testimony.” [29] In Cabrera v. State, we held that a modified Bland instruction was adequate where it “warn[ed] the jurors that accomplice testimony may be suspect because of the accomplice’s self-interest and his plea agreement.” [30] In Bordley v. State, we explained that there was no error where the pattern jury instruction warned that the accomplice testimony “may be affected by self-interest, by an agreement she may have with the State, by her own interest in the outcome, and by prejudice against the defendant.” [31]

In a later case, Smith v. State, we explained that “trial counsel’s failure to request [a Bland ] instruction will not always be prejudicial per se.” [32] Rather, “[t]he prejudicial effect depends upon the facts and circumstances of each particular case.” [33] Nonetheless, we found that the defendant in Smith did receive ineffective representation when trial counsel failed to request an accomplice instruction. [34]

In Hoskins v. State, we considered whether it was plain error when a judge failed sua sponte to give an accomplice credibility instruction. [35] We explained that “Smith did not create such a broad rule.” [36] This is because the case depended on the procedural posture. In Smith, [*732] “the defendant moved for postconviction relief on the ground that his counsel was ineffective for failing to request a Bland-type of instruction. The Smith court held that a trial judge is required to give a Bland-type of instruction, upon request, when accomplice testimony is presented.” [37] Thus, it was not plain error for a trial judge to fail to give sum sponte an accomplice credibility instruction — especially when the claim was brought on direct appeal. [38]

In 2012, we overruled Cabrera, Bordley, Smith, and Hoskins when we decided Brooks v. State. 39 In that case, we announced a new rule that requires a trial court to provide a specific Bland instruction any time an accomplice witness testifies. [40] We explained that the new rule announced in Brooks would not be retroactive and there would be no plain error where a trial judge provides an instruction that “correctly applied the law as it existed on the day [the trial judge] instructed the jury.” [41] Thus, for cases decided before Brooks, our analysis on postconviction review of a Bland claim is governed by the case law controlling at the time of the trial. Here, the trial date was December 9, 2009, which is prior to our decisions in Smith v. State and Brooks v. State. Thus, the holdings from Smith or Brooks are inapplicable to our determination of whether the failure to request the Bland instruction was erroneous or prejudicial.

Despite this, we observed in Neal v. State, a similar Rule 61 case, that “[t]hough we do not require lawyers to predict the future, [Smith and Brooks ] only underscore the concerns that this Court has long recognized: a decision not to request a Bland instruction is not a product of trial strategy.” [42] Here, the State has not pointed to any trial strategy that would result in trial counsel not requesting a Bland instruction. Moreover, trial counsel admitted here that his failure to do so was an “oversight,” [43] one which we held “amounted] to deficient performance” in a factually similar case. [44] We therefore conclude that trial counsel’s performance in failing to request a Bland instruction in this case “fell below an objective standard of reasonable attorney conduct” [45] and amounted to deficient performance under Strickland’s first prong.

Even though trial counsel’s failure in this case to request a Bland instruction[*733] was deficient, Hoskins has not shown prejudice under the second prong of Strickland. The record shows that there was not a reasonable likelihood that the result at trial would have been different if trial counsel had requested a Bland instruction, and the trial judge had given one.

There was substantial evidence other than West’s testimony that was presented at trial to convict Hoskins. Hoskins himself admitted to being in West’s Buick and getting out of the vehicle at the scene of the crime. Hoskins confessed to shooting a gun given to him by West. Further, ballistic evidence showed that the bullet that killed Brandon Beard was fired from West’s Ruger 9mm. Also significant was the absence of the .22 caliber gun that Hoskins claims he fired on the night of the homicide. Only 9mm shell casings were found at the scene of the crime and no .22 caliber revolver was ever recovered. No one, including Hoskins, testified that anyone else in West’s Buick fired a gun. Because West’s testimony was independently corroborated, Hoskins has not shown prejudice, and his first ineffective assistance claim fails under Strickland.

2. Trial Counsel’s Failure to Request a Single Theory Unanimity Instruction Did Not Constitute Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

Hoskins’ next claim is that trial counsel was ineffective for fading to request a single theory unanimity instruction. We explained in Probst v. State, that a general unanimity instruction is typically sufficient “to insure that the jury is unanimous on the factual basis for conviction.” [46] In Hoskins’ direct appeal, we held the single theory unanimity instruction was not warranted by the circumstances because there was no potential for jury confusion. [47] Because there was no need to issue a single theory unanimity instruction, trial counsel’s failure to request one cannot be error under the law of the case doctrine. Likewise, there can be no prejudice resulting therefrom. Hoskins’ second ineffective assistance claim is also without merit.

3. Trial Counsel’s Failure to Object to the Admissibility of West’s Out-Of-Court Statements Did Not Constitute Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

Hoskins’ third ineffective assistance claim is that trial counsel prejudicially erred when he failed to object to the admissibility of out-of-court statements pursuant to 11 Del. C. § 3507. Section 3507(a) provides: “In a criminal prosecution, the voluntary out-of-court prior statement of a witness who is present and subject to cross-examination may be used as affirmative evidence with substantive[*734] independent testimonial value.” [48] As we explained in Smith v. State, for the provisions of § 3507 to apply “the declarant must be called as a witness by the party introducing the statement and the direct examination of the declarant ‘should touch both on the events perceived and the out-of-court statement itself.’” [49] “The statement must be established as voluntary and the witness must be asked if the prior statement was true.” [50] “Finally, ‘the statement must be offered into evidence no later than at the conclusion of the direct examination of the declarant.’ ” [51]

Hoskins argues that the testimony by the State’s witness, Alonzo West, was admitted in violation of § 3507. At Hoskins’ first trial, West testified as follows: “Q: Did you also agree at the time of your plea that the statements you gave to the police were truthful? A: Yes.” [52] At the second trial, West similarly testified: “Q: Did you also agree at [the time of your plea that] the statements you gave to the police were truthful, those two prior statements that you had given? A: Yes.” [53]

Hoskins argues that West’s statements do not comply with the requirements of § 3507 and that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object. On direct appeal, we held that the trial court did not commit plain error in admitting the out of court statements as evidence. [54] But this does not mean that counsel’s representation was per se effective. The relevant question under the first prong of Strickland is whether trial counsel’s failure to object to its admissibility was so erroneous as to overcome the “strong presumption” that trial counsel’s representation was professionally reasonable. [55] As noted in the direct appeal, the prosecutor could have worded his questions better. [56]

Although trial counsel failed to object to the prosecutor’s perhaps awkward attempt to comply with his obligation under § 3507, trial counsel may well have recognized that a technical objection was unlikely to help his client. Hoskins argues that his trial counsel should have objected because the prosecutor’s questions were not precise enough, and did not focus on whether West’s prior testimony was truthful, not just when given, but whether it remained truthful. Had his trial counsel objected to the prosecutor’s awkward but harmless form of questioning on this basis, as Hos-kins claims he should have done, West would presumably have affirmed that his prior statements were still truthful, both because he took an oath to tell the truth before he testified at trial, and because his current testimony was consistent with his prior testimony. Thus, Hoskins has not shown that trial counsel’s failure to object constituted a Strickland violation at all, and, in any event, has not demonstrated prejudice. And absent any prejudice to the defendant, we will not reverse as an abuse of discretion a trial court’s decision to admit evidence based upon the technical[*735] requirements of § 3507. [57] In sum, there are insufficient grounds in the record to overcome the presumption of trial counsel’s reasonableness.

Ip. The Cumulative Effect of Trial Counsel’s Alleged Errors Do Not Warrant a New Trial

Hoskins’ final claim is that all of trial counsel’s errors cumulatively resulted in an unfair trial. “[W]here there are several errors in a trial, a reviewing court must weigh the cumulative impact to determine whether there was plain error.” [58] “ ‘Under the plain error standard of review, the error must be so clearly prejudicial to substantial rights as to jeopardize the fairness and integrity of the trial process.’ ” [59] “ ‘Furthermore, the doctrine of plain error is limited to material defects which are apparent on the face of the record; which are basic, serious and fundamental in their character, and which clearly deprive an accused of a substantial right, or which clearly show manifest injustice.’ ” [60] As we have already noted, none of Hoskins’ individual claims of ineffective assistance have merit because of a failure to show prejudice. Hoskins’ claim of cumulative error is without merit.

III. Conclusion

The Superior Court did not abuse its discretion in denying Hoskins’ Motion for Postconviction Relief. The judgment of the Superior Court is AFFIRMED.

1

Unless otherwise noted, the facts underlying Hoskins’ conviction are laid out in detail in our opinion in his direct appeal. Hoskins v. State (Hoskins I), 14 A.3d 554, 556-59 (Del.2011), overruled by Brooks v. State, 40 A.3d 346 (Del.2012).

2

. Hoskins I, 14 A.3d at 555-56.

3

. 10 Del. C. § 512(b)(1)(b) ("A judge may also designate a Commissioner to conduct hearings, including evidentiary hearings, and to submit to a judge of the Court proposed findings of fact and recommendations.... ”).

4

. Super. Ct.Crim. R. 62(a)(5) (permitting Commissioners to conduct case-dispositive ev-identiary hearings, and to submit to the court proposed findings of fact and recommendations).

5

. Neal v. State, 80 A.3d 935, 941 (Del.2013) (citing Ploof v. State, 75 A.3d 811, 819 (Del.2013)).

6

. Ploof, 75 A.3d at 820 (citing Swan v. State, 28 A.3d 362, 382 (Del.2011)).

7

. Banks v. State, 93 A.3d 643, 651 (Del.2014) (quoting Turner v. State, 5 A.3d 612, 615 (Del.2010)) (citing Del.Supr. Ct. R. 8).

8

. Ozdemir v. State, 96 A.3d 672, 675 (Del.2014) (quoting Bullock v. State, 775 A.2d 1043, 1046-47 (Del.2001)) (alteration in original).

9

. See Del.Supr. Ct. R. 8.

10

. Appellant’s Op. Br. Appendix at A97.

11

. Super. Ct.Crim. R. 61(i)(4).

12

. Gannett Co., Inc. v. Kanaga, 750 A.2d 1174, 1198 (Del.2000).

13

. Kenton v. Kenton, 571 A.2d 778, 784 (Del.1990) (citing Frank G.W. v. Carol M.W., 457 A.2d 715, 718 (Del.1983)).

14

. Gannett Co., 750 A.2d at 1181.

15

. Id. (citing Brittingham v. State, 705 A.2d 577, 579 (Del. 1998); Zim v. VLI Corp., 681 A.2d 1050, 1062 n. 7 (Del.1996)).

17

. Cooke v. State, 977 A.2d 803, 848 (Del.2009) (quoting Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984)).

19

. Gattis v. State, 697 A.2d 1174, 1178 (Del.1997).

20

. Id. at 1178 (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689, 104 S.Ct. 2052); Wright v. State, 671 A.2d 1353, 1356 (Del.1996); see also Yarborough v. Gentry, 540 U.S. 1, 8, 124 S.Ct. 1, 157 L.Ed.2d 1 (2003) ("When counsel focuses on some issues to the exclusion of others, there is a strong presumption that he did so for tactical reasons rather than through sheer neglect.”).

21

. Ploof, 75 A.3d at 852 (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690-91, 104 S.Ct. 2052).

25

. Dawson v. State, 673 A.2d 1186, 1196 (Del.1996).

26

. Dabney v. State, 991 A.2d 17, 2010 WL 703108, at *2 (Del. Mar. 1, 2010) (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697, 104 S.Ct. 2052).

27

. Claudio v. State, 585 A.2d 1278, 1282 (Del.1991) (quoting Miller v. State, 224 A.2d 592, 596 (Del.1966)).

28

. Bland v. State, 263 A.2d 286, 289-90 (Del.1970).

29

. Brooks v. State, 40 A.3d 346, 349 (Del.2012).

30

. Cabrera v. State, 747 A.2d 543, 545 (Del.2000), overruled by Brooks v. State, 40 A.3d 346 (Del.2012).

31

. Bordley v. State, 832 A.2d 1250, 2003 WL 22227558, at *2 (Del. Sept. 24, 2003).

32

. Smith v. State, 991 A.2d 1169, 1180 (Del.2010), overruled by Brooks v. State, 40 A.3d 346 (Del.2012).

35

. Hoskins I, 14 A.3d at 562.

37

. Id. (emphasis in original).

40

. Id. at 350. The specific instruction reads:

A portion of the evidence presented by the State is the testimony of admitted participants in the crime with which these defendants are charged. For obvious reasons, the testimony of an alleged accomplice should be examined by you with more care and caution than the testimony of a witness who did not participate in the crime charged. This rule becomes particularly important when there is nothing in the evidence, direct or circumstantial, to corroborate the alleged accomplices' accusation that these defendants participated in the crime. Without such corroboration, you should not find the defendants guilty unless, after careful examination of the alleged accomplices’ testimony, you are satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that it is true and you may safely rely upon it. Of course, if you are so satisfied, you would be justified in relying upon it, despite the lack of corroboration, and in finding the defendants guilty.

Id. (citing Bland, 263 A.2d at 289-90).

42

. Neal v. State, 80 A.3d 935, 944 (Del.2013).

43

. Appellant’s Op. Br. Appendix at A27.

44

. Neal, 80 A.3d at 945 ("Even a mere oversight will amount to deficient performance.”)

46

. Probst v. State, 547 A.2d 114, 120 (Del.1988). As we explained in Probst v. State:

In the routine case, a general unanimity instruction is sufficient to insure that the jury is unanimous on the factual basis for a conviction. However, this rule is inapplicable where there are factors in a case which create the potential that the jury will be confused. A more specific unanimity instruction is required "if (1) a jury is instructed that the commission of any one of several alternative actions would subject the defendant to criminal liability, (2) the actions are conceptually different and (3) the state has presented evidence on each of the alternatives.”

Id. 547 A.2d at 120-21 (citations omitted) (quoting State v. Edwards, 10 Conn.App. 503, 524 A.2d 648, 653 (1987)).

47

. Hoskins I, 14 A.3d at 565 ("Because defense counsel did not request, and the circumstances did not warrant, a single theory unanimity jury instruction, Hoskins has not shown that he was entitled to that instruction or that the trial judge committed plain error by not giving it.").

48

. 11 Del. C. § 3507(a).

49

. Smith v. State, 669 A.2d 1, 6 (Del.1995) (quoting Keys v. State, 337 A.2d 18, 23 (Del.1975)).

50

. Burns v. State, 76 A.3d 780, 788 (Del.2013) (footnote omitted) (citing Ray v. State, 587 A.2d 439, 443 (Del.1991); Hatcher v. State, 337 A.2d 30, 32 (Del.1975)).

51

. Id. (quoting Smith, 669 A.2d at 8).

52

. Hoskins I, 14 A.3d at 565.

56

. Hoskins I, 14 A.3d at 566.

57

. E.g., Jackson v. State, 643 A.2d 1360, 1369 (Del.1994).

58

. Wright v. State, 405 A.2d 685, 690 (Del.1979) (citing United States v. Freeman, 514 F.2d 1314, 1318 (D.C.Cir.1975)).

59

. Turner v. State, 5 A.3d 612, 615 (Del.2010) (quoting Wainwright v. State, 504 A.2d 1096, 1100 (Del.1986)).

60

.Id. (quoting Wainwright, 504 A.2d at 1100).