124 Conn. App. 740
Conn. App. Ct.2010Background
- Petitioner Alexis Gonzalez, along with two others, shot at Jesus Torres in January 2000; Torres was blinded in one eye.
- Police linked Gonzalez to the shooting; multiple identifications and vehicle description tied him to the crime.
- On January 24, 2001, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to assault in the first degree and conspiracy to commit murder with a recommended sentence.
- Attorney Claud Chong represented Gonzalez during plea negotiations and sentencing.
- In December 2008, Gonzalez filed a habeas corpus petition alleging ineffective assistance of counsel, claiming inadequate communication and advice.
- The habeas court denied relief, finding no prejudice from counsel's performance; certification to appeal was granted.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Was counsel ineffective for the guilty plea under Strickland/Hill? | Gonzalez claims one interpreter meeting was insufficient and prejudicial. | Chong's performance did not prejudice the outcome; plea/ sentence favorable regardless. | No prejudice; Strickland prejudice prong not satisfied. |
Key Cases Cited
- Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (U.S. 1984) (ineffective assistance requires two-prong showing)
- Hill v. Lockhart, 474 U.S. 52 (U.S. 1985) (prejudice standard for guilty-plea cases)
- Greene v. Commissioner of Correction, 123 Conn. App. 121 (Conn. App. 2010) (Strickland applies with Hill modification)
- Vazquez v. Commissioner of Correction, 123 Conn. App. 424 (Conn. App. 2010) (mixed question of law and fact; plenary review)
- Richardson v. Commissioner of Correction, 123 Conn. App. 301 (Conn. App. 2010) (Strickland prejudice framework applied)
- Corona v. Commissioner of Correction, 123 Conn. App. 347 (Conn. App. 2010) (application of Strickland to plea proceedings)