Gatewood, Roscoe Curtis Jr. v. State, COCA Case No. C-2009-542 (September 24, 2010)
(Joinder of Parties; Guilty Plea Decisions) Gatewood and co-defendant were represented by different attorneys in the same firm, and had a "joint defense agreement," which provided one would not testify against the other. However, on day of trial, co-defendant pled to a reduced charge in exchange for agreement to testify for the State. Gatewood waived jury trial and later entered a blind plea. "The joint representation by two members of the same firm, owing loyalty to both clients, adversely affected Gatewood’s representation." Certiorari granted