Johnson v. State, 290 Ga. 382

Johnson was convicted of malice murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during a felony for a 2008 shooting in Gwinnett County.
Evidence showed Johnson lured Gordon to an apartment complex to buy marijuana; Thomason was a passenger and was killed; Gordon was wounded.
A handgun was found in Thomason's coat; ballistics tied bullets to Johnson's revolver.
Gordon identified Johnson in a six-person lineup as the shooter; a cell phone linked to Johnson’s residence was recovered at the scene.
Todd testified Johnson admitted intent to rob for weed; he identified Johnson and the weapon as Johnson's.
Johnson argued ineffective assistance of counsel under Strickland; the trial court denied; on appeal the court affirmed his convictions.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Sufficiency of evidence	Johnson argues the evidence was insufficient for conviction.	State contends the evidence supports a rational juror’s finding of guilt beyond reasonable doubt.	Evidence sufficient for guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Counsel's effectiveness—testimony decision impact	Defense counsel’s incorrect advice about testifying compromised voluntary waiver and justification defense.	Johnson made a knowing, intelligent choice not to testify; counsel’s alleged advice did not prejudice.	No ineffective assistance; no prejudice shown.
Impeachment of Todd	Counsel failed to impeach Todd with deals or reasons for handcuffs and pending convictions.	Todd was a material witness with limited prospects of favorable treatment; impeachment beyond scope.	No prejudice; failure to impeach didn’t affect outcome.
Impeachment of Gordon	Counsel should have obtained certified convictions for Gordon to impeach credibility and questioned deals.	Lack of timely certified copy; no deals or immunity; no prejudice shown.	No ineffective assistance; no prejudice.
Prejudice under Strickland	Cumulative deficiencies would have changed outcome.	Deficiencies were not proven; speculative prejudice cannot satisfy Strickland.	No Strickland prejudice; convictions affirmed.

Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307 (U.S. 1979) (sufficiency review standard)
Handley v. State, 289 Ga. 786 (Ga. 2011) (independently apply Strickland to facts)
Turpin v. Curtis, 278 Ga. 698 (Ga. 2004) (Strickland prejudice requires more than speculation)
Morgan v. State, 275 Ga. 222 (Ga. 2002) (burden on defendant to prove deficient performance)
Peterson v. State, 282 Ga. 286 (Ga. 2007) (counsel's discussion of impeachment evidence)
Goodwin v. Cruz-Padillo, 265 Ga. 614 (Ga. 1995) (speculation insufficient to prove prejudice)