Alston v. State, 125 A.3d 676 (Del. 2015). · Go Syfert
Alston v. State, 125 A.3d 676 (Del. 2015). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
86 citation events (86 in the last 25 years) across 2 distinct courts.
Treatment trajectory · 2015 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
2015 2020 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 45 distinct citers. How cited ↗
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Dillard (3×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
Del. Super. Ct. · 2019 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
stricklana' is a two-pronged test, and there is no need to examine whether an attorney performed deficiently if the deficiency did not prejudice the defendant.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Dillard (2×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
Del. Super. Ct. · 2019 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
stricklana' is a two-pronged test, and there is no need to examine whether an attorney performed deficiently if the deficiency did not prejudice the defendant.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Ushler (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2025 · confidence medium
Ct. Apr. 1, 2002). 28 Green, 238 A.3d at 174. 29 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
examined Cited as authority (rule) State v. Hayman-Cooper (3×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2025 · confidence medium
Ct. Apr. 1, 2002). 32 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Cooke v. State
Del. · 2025 · confidence medium
Even if the investigation into Campbell’s interactions with police that 231 See Alston v. State, 125 A.3d 676 , 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Benson (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2024 · confidence medium
Apr. 1, 2002). 95 Green, 238 A.3d at 174. 96 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Benson (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2024 · confidence medium
Specifically, Benson alleges, Trial Counsel was ineffective for failing to: (1) understand the evidence, or lack thereof, when presenting the Motion of Judgement of Acquittal at the retrial in June 2019; (2) request a polling of the jurors; (3) present, or properly present, the 93 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Calhoun (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2024 · confidence medium
Sept. 4, 2015). 71 Green v. State, 238 A.3d 160 , 174 (Del. 2020) (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689 )). 72 Id. (quoting Burger v. Kemp, 483 U.S. 776, 794 (1987)). 73 Cooke v. State, 977 A.2d 803, 840 (Del. 2009) (internal quotations omitted). 74 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright v. State, 671 A.2d 1353, 1356 (Del. 1996)); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
examined Cited as authority (rule) State v. Guy (3×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2023 · confidence medium
Apr. 1, 2002). 52 Green, 238 A.3d at 174. 53 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356). 54 Starling v. State, 130 A.3d 316, 325 (Del. 2015) (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694 ). 55 Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694 . 56 Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697 ; Ploof v. State, 75 A.3d 811, 825 (Del. 2013) (“Strickland is a two- pronged test, and there is no need to examine whether an attorney performed deficiently if the deficiency did not prejudice the defendant.”) 9 ineffective assistance of counsel claim fails, then the Court need not address the other.57 1.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Potts (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2023 · confidence medium
Ct. Apr. 1, 2002). 49 Green, 238 A.3d at 174. 50 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
cited Cited as authority (rule) State v. Appiah
Del. Super. Ct. · 2023 · confidence medium
Nov. 3, 2017). 137 Alston v. State, 125 A.3d 676 , 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Taylor (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2023 · confidence medium
Sept. 4, 2015). 59 Green v. State, 238 A.3d 160 , 174 (Del. 2020) (explaining there is “a strong presumption that counsel’s conduct falls within a wide range of reasonable professional assistance” (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689 )). 60 Id. (quoting Burger v. Kemp, 483 U.S. 776, 794 (1987)). 61 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright v. State, 671 A.2d 1353, 1356 (Del. 1996)); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Goodman (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2023 · confidence medium
Mr. Goodman challenges the sentence he received via a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.21 At bottom, Mr. Goodman suggests that had his counsel been constitutionally effective, Mr. Goodman would not have been subject to a ten-year minimum mandatory sentence and might instead be serving a reduced sentence.22 He says that counsel should have challenged the sufficiency of the State’s pre- 19 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Lindsey (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2023 · confidence medium
Ct. Apr. 1, 2002). 36 Green, 238 A.3d at 174. 37 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Johnson (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2023 · confidence medium
Ct. Apr. 1, 2002). 16 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
examined Cited as authority (rule) State v. Peters (3×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2022 · confidence medium
Ct. Apr. 1, 2002). 111 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Jackson (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2022 · confidence medium
Ct. Apr. 1, 2002). 59 Green, 238 A.3d at 174. 60 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *3 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Caulk (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2021 · confidence medium
Ct. Apr. 1, 2002). 62 Green, 238 A.3d at 174. 63 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Gregg (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2021 · confidence medium
POSTCONVICTION EVIDENTIARY HEARING (43) “It is well-settled that th[is] Court is not required to conduct an evidentiary hearing upon a Rule 61 motion if, on the face of the motion, it appears 73 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); see also Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
cited Cited as authority (rule) State v. Johnson
Del. Super. Ct. · 2020 · confidence medium
Aug. 19, 2010). ‘4S Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *2 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Minatee (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2020 · confidence medium
Ct. Apr. 1, 2002). 15 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Minatee (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2020 · confidence medium
Ct. Apr. 1, 2002). 15 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Jackson
Del. Super. Ct. · 2020 · confidence medium
State v. Wright, 653 A.2d at 293-94 (citations omitted). 2 Ploof v. State, 75 A.3d 811, 820 (Del. 2013). 3 Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *2-3 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Barksdale (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2020 · confidence medium
Ct. Apr. 1, 2002). 53 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Adkins (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2019 · confidence medium
Ct. Apr. 1, 2002). 7 Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (citing Wright, 671 A.2d at 1356 ); Monroe v. State, 2015 WL 1407856 , at *5 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Dillard
Del. Super. Ct. · 2019 · confidence medium
(Dillard failed to demonstrate “that his is a substantial IAC claim . . . [n]or has he adequately pled any specific exceptional circumstances warranting the appointment of counsel”). 19 Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 694 (1984); Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Dickerson
Del. Super. Ct. · 2018 · confidence medium
Defendant was required to show that trial counsel’s failure to investigate was deficient by clear and convincing evidence,25 and the claimed additional effort by counsel would have led to a change in counsel’s recommendation as to the plea.26 A defendant must also make specific allegations of actual prejudice and substantiate them; vague allegations or conclusory statements will not suffice.27 Trial counsel’s Affidavit indicates that either he, his investigator, or both, met with and interviewed two alleged co-conspirators, and attempted to interview another.28 Trial counsel also 24 D.I.…
examined Cited as authority (rule) State v. Harrell (3×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
Del. Super. Ct. · 2017 · confidence medium
E, at 3. '8 See Alston, 2015 WL 5297709, at **2-3 (explaining that defense counsel is not required to pursue all lines of investigation about potentially mitigating evidence).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Barnhart
Del. Super. Ct. · 2017 · confidence medium
Petrucci, Deputy Attorney General ‘would have been obtained had [counsel] undertaken the desired investigation’ and how this information would have changed the result”) (citations omitted). 19 See Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (Del.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Resop
Del. Super. Ct. · 2016 · confidence medium
When reviewing a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, the Court must analyze counsel’s conduct based upon all of the facts of the case and avoid peering 22 Plea Tr. at pgs 4-10. 23 Plea Tr. at pg. 7. 24 November 9, 2007 Sentencing Proceeding Transcript, at pgs 3-4. 10 through the lens of hindsight.25 Although the right to counsel “includes the right to ”’26 the general duty of defense informed advice after ‘appropriate investigation, counsel to investigate does not require counsel to pursue every avenue to uncover potentially mitigating or exculpatory evidence.27 Defendant mus…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hunt v. State
Del. · 2016 · confidence medium
Counsel’s 9 Mayes v. State, 604 A.2d 839, 842 (Del. 1992) (intemal quotations omitted). '° Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *2 (Del. 2015); Flamer v. State, 585 A.2d 736, 756-57 (Del. 1990). 9 presentation during the sentencing proceeding, Hunt argues, therefore fell below an objective standard of reasonableness and resulted in prejudice. (20) Hunt’s argument fails to meet either prong of the Strickland analysis In reviewing whether the conduct at issue falls below an objective standard of reasonableness “appellate . . . review is subject to a strong presumption that counsel’s con…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Gomez v. State
Del. · 2015 · confidence medium
That fact is of no significance now, nor would it have been at the time of sentencing.”). 7 Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *2 (Del.
discussed Cited "see" State v. Powell
Del. Super. Ct. · 2017 · signal: see · confidence high
See Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (Del.
discussed Cited "see" State v. Powell
Del. Super. Ct. · 2017 · signal: see · confidence high
See Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (Del.
discussed Cited "see, e.g." State v. Thomas
Del. Super. Ct. · 2024 · signal: see also · confidence medium
LEGAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO INEFFECTIVENESS CLAIMS A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel is reviewed under the familiar two-part Strickland test.51 One asserting ineffective assistance of trial counsel must demonstrate that: (i) his defense counsel’s representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness, and (ii) there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s errors, the result of his trial proceedings would have been different.52 For the first prong, deficient performance, the burden is on the claimant to show that counsel’s conduct fell below an objectiv…
discussed Cited "see, e.g." State v. Mayfield
Del. Super. Ct. · 2024 · signal: see also · confidence medium
INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE CLAIMS AGAINST APPELLATE COUNSEL (26) A claim of ineffective assistance of appellate counsel is reviewed under the familiar two-part Strickland test.45 One claiming ineffective assistance of counsel must demonstrate that: (a) his defense counsel’s representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness, and (b) there is a reasonable probability that but for counsel’s errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.46 When claiming ineffective assistance of appellate counsel, one “must show a reasonable probability that, but for his counsel�…
discussed Cited "see, e.g." State v. Mayfield
Del. Super. Ct. · 2024 · signal: see also · confidence medium
INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE CLAIMS AGAINST APPELLATE COUNSEL (26) A claim of ineffective assistance of appellate counsel is reviewed under the familiar two-part Strickland test.45 One claiming ineffective assistance of counsel must demonstrate that: (a) his defense counsel’s representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness, and (b) there is a reasonable probability that but for counsel’s errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.46 When claiming ineffective assistance of appellate counsel, one “must show a reasonable probability that, but for his counsel�…
discussed Cited "see, e.g." State v. Ryle
Del. Super. Ct. · 2019 · signal: see also · confidence medium
R. 62(b) (“A party . . . appealing the findings of fact and recommendations of a Commissioner... who fails to comply with the provisions of this rule may be subject to dismissal of said... appeal.”). 7 D.I. 120 at 1-2. 7 Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 694 (1984); see also Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (Del.
cited Cited "see, e.g." State v. Walsh
Del. Super. Ct. · 2018 · signal: see also · confidence medium
Ct. July 7, 2017). 22 Stricklana’ v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 694 (1984); see also Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (Del.
cited Cited "see, e.g." State v. Mathis
Del. Super. Ct. · 2018 · signal: see also · confidence medium
Ct. Jan. 2, 2018) (intemal quotations and citations omitted). 24 Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 694 (1984); see also Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (Del.
cited Cited "see, e.g." State v. Coverdale
Del. Super. Ct. · 2018 · signal: see also · confidence medium
And there is, quite simply, a wide range of legitimate decision making that might be 34 Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 694 (1984); see also Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (Del.
discussed Cited "see, e.g." State v. Coston
Del. Super. Ct. · 2017 · signal: see also · confidence medium
Ct. July 7, 2017). -6- (13) An inmate who claims ineffective assistance of counsel must demonstrate that: (a) his defense counsel’s representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness, and (b) there is a reasonable probability that but for counsel’s errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.25 A reasonable probability exists when there “is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.” 26 There is always a strong presumption that counsel’s representation was reasonable. 27 (14) Coston’s second claim asserts ineffective assistanc…
cited Cited "see, e.g." State v. LaCombe
Del. Super. Ct. · 2016 · signal: see also · confidence medium
See also Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (Del. 2015). 18 Strickland, 446 U.S. at 697; See also Ploofv.
cited Cited "see, e.g." State v. Evans-Mayes
Del. Super. Ct. · 2016 · signal: see also · confidence medium
None of these allegations has any merit. 31 Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984); see also Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (Del. 2015). 32 Strickland, 446 U.S. at 697; Ploofv.
cited Cited "see, e.g." State v. Love
Del. Super. Ct. · 2016 · signal: see also · confidence medium
Ct. Mar. 13, 2015). 5 Def.’s Rule 61 Mot., at 3. 6 Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 694 (1984); see also Alston v. State, 2015 WL 5297709, at *3 (Del.
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Brandon ALSTON, Below-Appellant
v.
STATE of Delaware, Below-Appellee
No. 16,2015.
Supreme Court of Delaware.
Sep 4, 2015.
125 A.3d 676
Cited by 46 opinions  |  Published

Court Below: Superior Court of the State of Delaware in and for Sussex County, No. 120901415

AFFIRMED.