[No. 24850-0-III. Division Three. October 25, 2007.]
[1] Criminal Law Constitutional Provisions Due Process Review Standard of Review. An alleged violation of a criminal defendant's constitutional right to due process of law is reviewed de novo. [2] Criminal Law Evidence Preservation Duty of State Due Process. A criminal defendant's constitutional right to due process of law imposes on the State a duty to preserve material exculpatory evidence for the defense. The State's suppression of evidence that is favorable to the defendant violates the defendant's right to due process of law if the evidence is material either to guilt or punishment. [3] Criminal Law Evidence Preservation Failure of State Effect Dismissal Test. The State's failure to preserve evidence relating to a criminal prosecution necessitates dismissal of the charges only if (1) the evidence is material and exculpatory or (2) the evidence is potentially useful and the State acted in bad faith in failing to preserve the evidence. [4] Criminal Law Evidence Preservation Failure of State "Material Exculpatory Evidence" What Constitutes. For purposes of the State's duty to preserve material exculpatory evidence relating to a criminal prosecution, "material exculpatory evidence" is evidence that (1) possesses an exculpatory value that was apparent on its face before it was destroyed and (2) is of such a nature that the defendant would be unable to obtain comparable evidence by other reasonably available means. A showing merely that the evidence might have exonerated the defendant is insufficient to show that it had material exculpatory value. [5] Criminal Law Evidence Preservation Failure of State Potentially Useful Evidence Test. The State's failure to preserve evidence that is potentially useful to a criminal defendant but that does not qualify as "material exculpatory evidence" necessitates dismissal of the charges only if the State acted in bad faith. The difference in treatment between material exculpatory evidence and potentially useful evidence is rooted in part on a general unwillingness of the courts to impose on the police an undifferentiated and absolute duty to retain and preserve all materials that might be of conceivable evidentiary significance in a particular prosecution. [6] Criminal Law Evidence Preservation Failure of State Potentially Useful Evidence Bad Faith Relevance Not Apparent. A reviewing court cannot conclude that the State acted in bad faith by failing to preserve evidence potentially useful for a criminal defendant if the relevance of the evidence is not apparent and must be assumed. [7] Appeal Review Constitutional Issues Standard of Review. Constitutional issues are reviewed by an appellate court de novo. [8] Constitutional Law Due Process Review Standard of Review. Whether a proceeding satisfies constitutional due process of law is reviewed de novo. [9] Witnesses Competency Adults Presumption. Adult witnesses are presumed to be competent to testify in judicial proceedings. [10] Witnesses Competency Adults Mental Impairment Test. Under RCW 5.60.050, an adult witness is not incompetent to testify unless the witness is of "unsound mind" or appears incapable of receiving and relating accurate impressions of the facts about which the witness is examined. The term "unsound mind" means a total lack of comprehension or the inability to distinguish between right and wrong. It does not necessarily refer to persons having a history of mental disorders or limited cognitive abilities. A witness's mere treatment for a mental disorder is, alone, insufficient to demonstrate that the witness is of unsound mind. [11] Witnesses Competency Burden of Proof. The party challenging the competency of a witness has the burden of proving incompetency. [12] Courts Stare Decisis Court of Appeals Court of Appeals Holding Separate Divisions of Court. A decision by one division of the Court of Appeals is not binding on any other division but may be viewed by another division as persuasive authority. [13] Witnesses Competency Adults Mental Impairment Court-Initiated Inquiry Necessity. A trial court is not required, on its own motion, to initiate an inquiry into whether a witness with a history of mental disorders is competent to testify if the record reflects that the witness is reasonably capable of recalling and recounting the events in question. Absent manifest signs of incompetence, the trial court has no independent duty to inquire into the competence of a witness with a known mental disability and need not conduct such a hearing if no party challenges the witness's competency. [14] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Constitutional Right State and Federal Provisions. The Sixth Amendment and Const. art. I, § 22 guarantee to criminal defendants the right to effective assistance of counsel. [15] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Test. A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel in a criminal proceeding requires a showing that (1) counsel's representation was deficient in that it fell below an objective standard of reasonableness as determined by viewing counsel's performance in light of all of the circumstances of the case at the time and (2) the deficient representation was prejudicial to the defendant. Prejudice is shown by a reasonable probability that, absent counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different. [16] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Deficient Performance Proof Trial Strategy and Tactics. For purposes of a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, a finding of deficient performance cannot be based on trial strategy and tactics. [17] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Conflict of Interest Loyalty. A criminal defendant's constitutional right to the effective assistance of counsel imposes on counsel a duty of loyalty and a duty to avoid conflicts of interest. [18] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Conflict of Interest Prejudice Presumption. For purposes of a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel based on an allegation that counsel had a conflict of interest, prejudice will not be presumed if the record does not demonstrate an actual conflict of interest. The defendant has the burden of demonstrating a conflict of interest and, absent the demonstration of an actual conflict of interest, the defendant must show that counsel's performance was adversely affected by the alleged conflict. [19] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Jury Selection Trial Strategy or Tactics. To establish a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel based on defense counsel's performance during voir dire, a defendant generally must demonstrate the absence of a legitimate strategic or tactical reason for counsel's performance. [20] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Jury Selection Failure To Challenge Juror Legitimate Strategic or Tactical Decision. Defense counsel's failure to challenge a juror during voir dire will not support a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel if there is a legitimate strategic or tactical reason for not doing so. [21] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Jury Selection Failure To Pursue Matters Avoiding Annoyance. It can be a legitimate trial strategy for defense counsel not to pursue certain matters or questioning during voir dire in order to avoid antagonizing potential jurors. [22] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Jury Selection Failure To Challenge Juror Probability of Success. Defense counsel's failure to challenge a juror for cause will not support a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel if it is not shown that the juror would have been excused had the challenge been made. [23] Jury Selection Challenge for Cause Equivocal Answers. A prospective juror's equivocal answers are not, alone, sufficient to establish any probability that the juror has an actual bias against a party. [24] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Failure To Seek Dismissal. Defense counsel's failure to move for dismissal of a criminal charge will not support a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel if such a motion would have been unsuccessful. [25] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Failure To Request Witness Competency Hearing. Defense counsel's failure to request a witness competency hearing will not support a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel unless the defendant can make an affirmative showing that the trial court would likely have found the witness to be incompetent. [26] Witnesses Competency Test. A witness is competent to testify if the witness understands the nature of the oath to tell the truth and is capable of giving a somewhat coherent account of his or her observations. [27] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Failure To Object to State's Argument. Defense counsel's failure to object to improper comments by the prosecutor in the opening statement will not support a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel if the defendant cannot show that the objection would have been sustained. [28] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Trial Strategy Failure To Object. Defense counsel's decisions regarding whether and when to object during trial fall within the category of strategic or tactical decisions. Only in egregious circumstances will a failure to object constitute incompetence of counsel justifying reversal of the conviction. [29] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Cross-Examination Scope Trial Strategy. The scope of defense counsel's cross-examination of a witness can be a matter of judgment and trial strategy. A claimed flaw in defense counsel's cross-examination of a witness will not support a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel if counsel's performance fell within the range of reasonable representation. Even if counsel was deficient, there is no prejudice to the defendant if additional cross-examination of the witness would not have overcome the evidence against the defendant. [30] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Failure To Object to Evidence Test. Defense counsel's failure to object to evidence at trial will not support a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel unless not objecting fell below prevailing professional norms, the proposed objection likely would have been sustained, and the result of the trial would have been different had the evidence not been admitted. To prevail on the ineffective assistance claim, the defendant must rebut the presumption that counsel's failure to object was a legitimate trial strategy or tactic. [31] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Effective Assistance of Counsel Failure To Request Instruction Determination. In determining whether defense counsel's failure to propose an instruction at trial constitutes ineffective assistance of counsel, a reviewing court must ask whether the defendant was entitled to the instruction, whether counsel's performance was deficient in failing to request the instruction, and whether the defendant was prejudiced by the omission. [32] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Counsel of Choice Scope In General. The Sixth Amendment right to counsel generally includes the right to select and be represented by counsel of the defendant's own choosing, although the right is not absolute. [33] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Counsel of Choice Appointment of New Counsel Review Standard of Review. A trial court's decision to appoint new counsel to represent a criminal defendant is reviewed for an abuse of discretion. [34] Criminal Law Right to Counsel Counsel of Choice Scope Limitations Conflicts of Interest. Although the right to counsel as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment includes the right to retain an attorney of one's own choice, a defendant may not insist on representation by an attorney who has an actual conflict of interest or a serious potential for conflict with another client. [35] Attorney and Client Conflict of Interest Potential Conflict Criminal Defendant and State's Witness Witness's Prior Consultation With Counsel's Law Firm. That a prosecution witness had a prior consultation with an attorney at defense counsel's law firm, in which the witness discussed several issues regarding the prosecution, including details that were relevant to the issues at trial, is sufficient to create a serious potential for a conflict of interest for defense counsel. [36] Appeal Review Issue Unsupported by Citation to Record. An appellate court may decline to consider an issue unsupported by citation to the record. Nature of Action: Prosecution for second degree rape and indecent liberties. Superior Court: The Superior Court for Spokane County, No. 04-1-02152-0, Neal Q. Rielly, J., on December 23, 2005, entered a judgment on a verdict finding the defendant guilty of second degree rape. Court of Appeals: Holding that the defendant's right to due process of law was not violated by the State's destruction of evidence that was merely potentially useful as opposed to materially exculpatory, that the trial court did not err by failing to initiate an inquiry into the victim's competency, that the defendant did not receive ineffective assistance of counsel, and that the trial court did not abuse its discretion by disqualifying the defendant's original attorney for a potential conflict of interest, the court affirms the judgment. David R. Hearrean- (of Law Office of David R. Hearrean, PS), for appellant. Steven J. Tucker-, Prosecuting Attorney, and Kevin M. Korsmo-, Deputy, for respondent. Ά1 KULIK, J. Guylin Johnston appeals his second degree rape conviction. Mr. Johnston asserts that his right to due process was violated when police instructed a hospital employee to destroy potentially exculpatory evidence, that the trial court erred by failing to hold a competency hearing for the alleged victim, and that he received ineffective assistance of counsel. Where the evidence destroyed is potentially useful, as opposed to material exculpatory evidence, Mr. Johnston must show bad faith by the police to support a due process violation. He has not done so. And his other assertions of error are without merit. We, therefore, affirm. FACTS Ά2 Eastern State Hospital is a state psychiatric hospital serving the eastern Washington region. In June 2004, Guylin Johnston was employed as a nurse at Eastern State Hospital. Amanda Managhan was a patient at Eastern State Hospital. Ά3 Ms. Managhan was admitted to Eastern State Hospital for depression-related issues. Mr. Johnston was one of several nurses assigned to watch Ms. Managhan for one-on-one shifts of one hour at a time. During one of these one-on-one sessions, Ms. Managhan and Mr. Johnston were alone in the laundry room while Ms. Managhan was doing laundry. The door to the room was closed, which was against the general safety policies of the hospital. Ά4 As Ms. Managhan was loading clothes into a washing machine, she turned around and saw Mr. Johnston with his pants around his ankles. He forced his penis into Ms. Managhan's mouth and ejaculated. Ms. Managhan was chewing gum. Ms. Managhan immediately spit the gum into a paper towel and rinsed out her mouth. She put the paper towel containing the gum in the pocket of her pants. This gum was later tested. Traces of both Mr. Johnston's and Ms. Managhan's DNA Ά5 Later that day, Ms. Managhan told another employee at Eastern State Hospital that she had been molested and identified Mr. Johnston as the offender. The employee notified hospital authorities, who in turn notified the police. Mr. Johnston was charged with second degree rape and indecent liberties. Ά6 Prior to the first trial, the State asked the trial court to determine whether a conflict of interest existed between the law office of Mr. Johnston's defense counsel, Bevan Maxey, and the alleged victim. According to the State, Ms. Managhan consulted with a member of Mr. Maxey's firm to discuss the potential of filing a civil suit against Eastern State Hospital based on the incident that allegedly took place in the laundry room. Ά7 Mr. Johnston disputed that the contact between Ms. Managhan and any member of the law firm amounted to an attorney-client relationship. According to Mr. Johnston, "no specific facts surrounding the criminal matter were disclosed." CP at 16. Defense counsel promised to take all measures necessary to ensure that any confidentiality would not be breached during Mr. Maxey's representation of Mr. Johnston. Ά8 The trial court granted the State's motion to disqualify Mr. Maxey as defense counsel. The court denied Mr. Johnston's motion to reconsider the disqualification. Mr. Johnston proceeded to trial with a different attorney, Rob Cossey. Ά9 Mr. Johnston also claims Mr. Cossey and another attorney, Chris Bugbeewho was counsel for Jacqueline Hugheshad worked in the same firm in the past. Ms. Hughes was a witness for the defendant in the first trial. In the retrial, she recanted and testified for the prosecution. Ά10 At the first trial, Mr. Johnston presented evidence that he had been set up by two other employees at Eastern State Hospital: Ms. Hughes and Mike Evans. Ms. Hughes and Mr. Evans were allegedly involved in a sexual relationship. Ms. Hughes testified that Mr. Evans had asked her to meet with Mr. Johnston. Ms. Hughes met with Mr. Johnston and had sex in Ms. Hughes's car. Ά11 Ms. Hughes requested that Mr. Johnston use a condom during sexual intercourse. The condom contained some of Mr. Johnston's semen. Ms. Hughes placed the used condom in a baggie when she got home and placed the baggie in her refrigerator. She then gave this baggie to Mr. Evans. Ms. Hughes testified that the sole purpose of her sexual encounter with Mr. Johnston was to secretly collect his semen. Ά12 Two other employees at Eastern State Hospital testified that they found a baggie wrapped in a paper towel in the laundry room of the hospital, one month after the alleged rape. Both employees testified that the contents of the baggie appeared to be semen. But another employee thought the material looked more consistent with a coffee stain. The hospital notified police of the baggie. The hospital security chief described the contents to the Washington State Patrol (WSP) as appearing like a coffee stain. WSP investigators told the hospital employees to throw the baggie away and the hospital complied. Ά13 The jury acquitted Mr. Johnston of the charge of indecent liberties but could not reach a verdict on the charge of second degree rape. The trial court declared a mistrial on the charge of second degree rape and accepted the jury's verdict of not guilty on the charge of indecent liberties. Mr. Johnston was retried on the charge of second degree rape. Ά14 At the second trial, a State forensic analyst testified that she tested the piece of gum that Ms. Managhan placed inside a tissue for DNA. The analyst found traces of Ms. Managhan's and Mr. Johnston's DNA on the gum. There were traces of Mr. Johnston's semen as well. The analyst admitted that there were several items, including articles of clothing, that were not tested. Ά15 One of the State's witnesses, Trooper David Fenn, was unavailable to testify at trial because the trooper was called up for military duty. Mr. Johnston stipulated to Trooper Fenn's unavailability to testify and agreed to let the State read the transcript of Trooper Fenn's prior testimony into the record. However, the court did not want Trooper Fenn's service in Iraq put before the jury because of concern of potential bias. The State had previously made one remark about Trooper Fenn's military service during opening arguments. Specifically, the prosecutor stated that other detectives would be presenting Trooper Fenn's testimony because "Trooper Dave Fenn was shipped off to Iraq." Report of Proceedings at 864. Mr. Johnston did not object to this portion of the prosecutor's opening remarks. Ά16 Ms. Hughes testified at Mr. Johnston's retrial, but her testimony was substantially different from her testimony at the first trial. According to Ms. Hughes, Mr. Johnston had approached her about the case. She asserted that she was actually sexually involved with Mr. Johnston, and did not have a sexual relationship with Mr. Evans. Mr. Johnston wanted Ms. Hughes to falsely claim that Mr. Evans requested Mr. Johnston's semen. Her impression was that Mr. Johnston wanted to make it seem that he had been framed by Mr. Evans. Ά17 Ms. Hughes testified that her testimony in the prior trial had been false and claimed that Mr. Johnston had told her what she was supposed to say. Ms. Hughes stated that she changed her testimony because Mr. Evans was under investigation as a result of Ms. Hughes's testimony at the first trial. Ά18 Mr. Johnston again presented evidence from several employees at Eastern State Hospital regarding the plastic baggie that was found in the laundry room and subsequently destroyed. This evidence included testimony that the substance in the baggie resembled partially-dried semen and testimony that several employees believed what they found could be evidence connected to Ms. Managhan's allegations. Ά19 The jury found Mr. Johnston guilty of second degree rape. ANALYSIS Destruction of Evidence Ά22 "[W]here potentially useful evidence is concerned, as opposed to material exculpatory evidence, no denial of due process will be found unless the defendant shows bad faith on the part of police." Ά23 To qualify as material exculpatory evidence, the evidence must be facially apparent as exculpatory before it was destroyed and the defendant must be unable to obtain comparable evidence by other reasonably available means. Id. A showing that the evidence might have exonerated the defendant is insufficient. Id. Ά24 In this case, Mr. Johnston had no reasonably available means to obtain comparable evidence. The baggie was the only piece of physical evidence that might have corroborated Mr. Johnston's claim that he was framed for the alleged rape. But this evidence was not facially apparent as exculpatory evidence at the time it was destroyed. Ά25 Although several employees testified that the material in the baggie appeared to be consistent with semen, the material had not been conclusively identified when the baggie was destroyed. There was disagreement between some of the employees as to whether the material appeared to be semen at all. One employee thought the material was a coffee stain. And the baggie was not found until one month after the alleged rape. Based on these facts, the most that could be said of the substance in the baggie was that it was potentially useful to Mr. Johnston's defense. Ά26 It follows then that Mr. Johnston must demonstrate bad faith on the part of police. Although he incorrectly argues that he is not required to show bad faith, Mr. Johnston also asserts that the WSP acted in bad faith when they instructed a hospital employee to destroy the evidence. According to Mr. Johnston, this conduct was in violation of procedures established for preserving evidence. But this argument is circular, as this court must first assume that the substance was relevant evidence in order to conclude that procedures for the preservation of such evidence had been violated. No other basis is put forth by Mr. Johnston, and no basis is contained in the facts to support a finding that the WSP acted in bad faith. Ά27 Mr. Johnston fails to demonstrate that the evidence was materially exculpatory. If the evidence was potentially useful, Mr. Johnston fails to establish that the WSP acted in bad faith when it advised the hospital security chief to throw away the baggie. Mr. Johnston fails to show that his due process rights were violated because the baggie was thrown away rather than preserved. Competency Hearing Ά30 Mr. Johnston contends that the trial court had an independent duty to inquire as to Ms. Managhan's competency to stand trial because of Ms. Managhan's status as a patient at a mental health facility and her known history of mental disorders. In State v. Watkins, 71 Wn. App. 164, 170, 857 P.2d 300 (1993), Division One considered whether a trial court has a duty to determine sua sponte whether witnesses are competent to testify even when neither party raises the issue of competency. Ά31 While a witness is incapable of giving testimony if he or she is of "unsound mind," this term refers to those who have "no comprehension at all," not merely those who have a history of mental disorders or with limited cognitive abilities. Id. at 171. Evidence of mere treatment for mental disorders is not sufficient in and of itself to demonstrate that a witness is of unsound mind. Id. And a trial court does not err when it fails to engage in a sua sponte competency hearing if the record reflects that the witness was "reasonably capable of recalling and recounting the events in question." Id. Ά32 In Watkins, Division One ultimately concluded that, "absent manifest signs of incompetence," the trial court has no independent duty to "inquire into the competence of witnesses with known mental disabilities." Id. at 173. Similarly, in State v. C.M.B., Division One ruled that the trial court is under no obligation to inquire into a witness's competency absent "a challenge by any party to the competency of a witness." State v. C.M.B., 130 Wn. App. 841, 844, 125 P.3d 211 (2005). Ά33 While the opinions in Watkins and C.M.B. are not binding on this court, they are persuasive authority. Moreover, these decisions reflect the majority position in federal and state cases with regard to this issue. See, e.g., United States v. Kelly, 436 F.3d 992, 996 (8th Cir. 2006); Toussaint v. State, 755 So. 2d 170, 172 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2000), overruled on other grounds by Glover v. State, 863 So. 2d 236 (Fla. 2003); People v. Westpfahl, 295 Ill. App. 3d 327, 330-31, 692 N.E.2d 831, 229 Ill. Dec. 842 (1998). Ά34 More importantly, this majority approach is consistent with the law and policy of the state of Washington regarding witness competency. Both statutes and court rules "set out a scheme where a witness of any age is presumed competent." C.M.B., 130 Wn. App. at 843. In light of the presumption that a witness is competent to provide testimony, and the weight of persuasive precedent, we hold that the trial court did not have a duty to inquire sua sponte as to Ms. Managhan's competency as a witness. Ά35 Simply stated, adult witnesses are presumed to be competent. This presumption of competence continues unless challenged by a party at trial, and the challenging party bears the burden of establishing incompetence. Assistance of Counsel Ά36 Mr. Johnston contends he received ineffective assistance of counsel, arguing his counsel: (1) had a conflict of interest; (2) failed to challenge a juror; (3) failed to seek dismissal, based on the destruction of the baggie; (4) failed to request a competency hearing; (5) failed to object to the prosecutor's statements about a witness's military service; (6) failed to impeach a witness; (7) failed to object to the State's questions of witnesses; and (8) failed to request a jury instruction. Ά37 We consider each of these assertions separately. Ά39 To establish deficient performance, the defendant must show that trial counsel's performance fell below an objective standard of reasonableness. Id. Trial strategy and tactics cannot form the basis of a finding of deficient performance. State v. Cienfuegos, 144 Wn.2d 222, 227, 25 P.3d 1011 (2001) (quoting State v. Hendrickson, 129 Wn.2d 61, 77-78, 917 P.2d 563 (1996)). Prejudice can be shown only if there is a reasonable probability that, absent counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different. Davis, 152 Wn.2d at 672-73. Ά40 The reasonableness of trial counsel's performance is reviewed in light of all of the circumstances of the case at the time of counsel's conduct. State v. Lord, 117 Wn.2d 829, 883, 822 P.2d 177 (1991). (1) Conflict of Interest Ά41 Mr. Johnston asserts that his trial counsel's performance was ineffective due to a conflict of interest because his trial counsel's assistant may have spoken with Ms. Hughes, one of the State's witnesses, or worked with Mr. Bugbee, the attorney for Ms. Hughes. Ά43 Here, Mr. Johnston must establish that a conflictof interest existed based upon the record. See id. at 749. But there is nothing in the record that indicates whether Mr. Johnston's attorney ever represented Ms. Hughes or worked with Ms. Hughes's attorney, Mr. Bugbee. Mr. Johnston argues that his counsel's questioning of Ms. Hughes somehow demonstrates a conflict. But this argument is strained at best. Ms. Hughes's recanting of her testimony does undercut Mr. Johnston's claim of a set up, but her cross-examination by Mr. Johnston's attorney does not demonstrate any conflict of interest. And Mr. Johnston has not provided this court with any basis to find that trial counsel's performance was adversely affected by the alleged conflict. There is simply no evidence that establishes a conflict of interest. Consequently, trial counsel's performance was not deficient. (2) Voir Dire Ά45 Mr. Johnston fails to establish that the jurors would have been excused had they been challenged for cause. The remarks of the jurors identified by Mr. Johnston as evidence of bias are merely equivocal and do not establish any probability that the jurors had an actual bias against Mr. Johnston. See State v. Noltie, 116 Wn.2d 831, 839, 809 P.2d 190 (1991). Ά46 In addition, there were legitimate strategic reasons for Mr. Johnston's trial counsel to avoid challenging these jurors. Excessive questioning or a failed challenge to these jurors could have caused antagonism toward Mr. Johnston. Because trial counsel's performance during voir dire could be characterized as legitimate trial strategy, this performance cannot form the basis for a finding of ineffective assistance of counsel. (3) Failure To Seek Dismissal of Charges Ά47 Mr. Johnston next contends that his trial counsel rendered deficient performance by not seeking dismissal based on the destruction of the baggie containing the unidentified substance. Ά49 As previously noted, the evidence at issue was only potentially useful to Mr. Johnston. It was not material exculpatory evidence. As such, Mr. Johnston's counsel was required to show that police had acted in bad faith in order to obtain dismissal of the charges. See State v. Copeland, 130 Wn.2d 244, 280, 922 P.2d 1304 (1996). There was no showing of bad faith. Defense counsel did not render deficient performance by failing to make a motion for dismissal. (4) Failure To Request a Competency Hearing Ά52 The mere fact of a prior diagnosis of a mental disorderhere, depressiondoes not preclude an individual from being competent to provide testimony at trial. A review of Ms. Managhan's testimony demonstrates her general competency as a witness. There is no reasonable likelihood that the trial court would have granted a motion to disqualify Ms. Managhan as a witness. As such, Mr. Johnston cannot show any prejudice from the alleged deficient performance of trial counsel. (5) Failure To Object to Prosecutor's Remarks Ά54 In order to show that counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the remarks of the prosecutor, the defendant must show that the objection would have been sustained. See Davis, 152 Wn.2d at 748. Counsel's decisions regarding whether and when to object fall firmly within the category of strategic or tactical decisions. State v. Madison, 53 Wn. App. 754, 763, 770 P.2d 662 (1989). "Only in egregious circumstances, on testimony central to the State's case, will the failure to object constitute incompetence of counsel justifying reversal." Id. Ά55 As the State correctly notes, the trial court gave the restricting instruction to the parties after the remarks that form the basis of Mr. Johnston's allegation of error. Trial counsel could not have objected to the State's violation of a court order that did not exist at the time the alleged violation occurred. (6) Cross-Examination Ά57 Mr. Johnston argues that defense counsel rendered deficient performance in failing to effectively impeach one of the State's witnesses. Mr. Johnston's claim amounts to an assertion that trial counsel could have done a better job at cross-examination. This is not enough to demonstrate deficient performance. Moreover, Mr. Johnston does not show that a proper cross-examination would have been enough to overcome the evidence of his guilt. Therefore, the test for ineffective assistance of counsel has not been met. (7) Failure To Object to Leading Questions and Testimony Outside the Scope of Direct Ά59 Mr. Johnston asserts that counsel's representation was ineffective because trial counsel failed to object to leading questions and to witness responses that were outside of the scope of the question asked. Because this court presumes that the failure to object was a legitimate tactical decision, Mr. Johnston must demonstrate an absence of legitimate strategy or tactics in failing to object. Mr. Johnston cites to extensive portions of the trial record that he asserts contain leading questions by the State and testimony that is arguably beyond the scope of the question. Mr. Johnston makes no argument as to why the failure to object was not a tactical decision nor does the unobjected testimony demonstrate an absence of legitimate trial strategy. We, therefore, presume that the failure of Mr. Johnston's trial counsel to object was the product of legitimate trial tactics. Id. (8) Jury Instructions Ά61 Here, it is unclear exactly what instructions Mr. Johnston believes should have been given. He asserts that trial counsel should have proposed a lesser-included offense instruction for "some type of gross misdemeanor at least." Appellant's Br. at 34. Mr. Johnston fails to identify any specific jury instruction that should have been proposed by trial counsel. Because Mr. Johnston has not identified what jury instructions should have been proposed, he cannot show that he was entitled to that instruction or that trial counsel was ineffective for not seeking the instruction. STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL GROUNDS FOR REVIEW Ά62 In his statement of additional grounds for review, Mr. Johnston contends that his Sixth Amendment right to counsel of choice was violated when the trial court determined that Mr. Maxey could not represent Mr. Johnston because of a conflict of interest. Mr. Johnston further asserts that he received ineffective assistance of counsel due to the failure of his trial counsel to seek dismissal of this case based on a violation of the speedy trial rule. Counsel of Choice Ά65 Mr. Johnston asserts that Ms. Managhan's prior consultation with defense counsel's firm was not sufficient to establish an actual conflict of interest. Even assuming that Mr. Johnston's claims are correct, he still cannot establish that the trial court abused its discretion. There was clearly a serious potential for a conflict of interest. Ms. Managhan had discussed several issues regarding this case with a member of defense counsel's firm. This discussion included details that were relevant to the issues at trial. Under these facts, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in appointing new defense counsel for Mr. Johnston. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Ά67 While not clearly explained in Mr. Johnston's statement of additional grounds, the alleged violation in this case is presumably the delay between the mistrial declared by the court on June 7, 2005, and the subsequent trial that began on October 24, 2005. Although Mr. Johnston cites to a portion of the record as containing an earlier trial date on his speedy trial waiver, a review of the record demonstrates that what Mr. Johnston cited to was an unrelated deposition. As such, Mr. Johnston has not provided sufficient support from which this court could determine whether, when, or for how long Mr. Johnston's case was continued, or whether the speedy trial rule was violated. Ά68 In light of the absence of record to support Mr. Johnston's claim, he has not established ineffective assistance of counsel based on the failure to seek dismissal for a speedy trial violation. Ά69 We affirm. SCHULTHEIS, A.C.J., and STEPHENS, J., concur. Reconsideration denied February 12, 2007.