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\i\fs20\insrsid9455948 Jackery B. White v Robert Klitzkie,}{\fs20\insrsid9455948  1998 Guam 31, Opinion\tab Page }{\field{\*\fldinst {\fs20\insrsid9455948 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid5393969 6}}}{\fs20\insrsid9455948  of 9

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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\insrsid5393969 
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\par }\pard \qj \fi-5040\li5040\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin5040\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 JACKERY B. WHITE,}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab \tab \tab )\tab Supreme Court Case No.}{
\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  CVA97-020}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
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\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Filed: December 16, 1998
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Cite as: }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 1998 Guam 31}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam 
\par Argued and Submitted on 20}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 February 1998
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam}{\insrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\insrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\ul\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Counsel for Appellant:}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
\par D.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Paul Vernier, Jr., Esq.
\par VERNIER LAW OFFICE
\par Suite 804, GCIC Building
\par 414 West Soledad Avenue
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910}{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }{\ul\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Counsel for Appellee:}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
\par David M. Moore, Assistant Attorney General
\par Office of the Attorney General
\par Prosecution Division
\par Suite 2-200E, Judicial Ctr. Bldg.
\par 120 West O}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Brien Drive
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910}{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 BEFORE:}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 PETER C. SIGUENZA, Chief Justice; JOAQUIN C. ARRIOLA, Sr. and EDUARDO A. CALVO, Associate Justices.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 SIGUENZA, CJ.:
\par }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [1]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab Jackery B. White appeals the denial of habeas relief by the Superior Court.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
He asserts that his right to effective assistance of counsel was violated due to his attorneys}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
 conflicts of interest.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Although we have no jurisdiction to hear an appeal from the denial of his petition for habeas relief, we elect to treat his appeal as an original petition for relief.}{
\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 However, based on our review of the record and the applicable law, we deny his petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus. 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 PROCEDURAL AND FACTUAL BACKGROUND}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\b\insrsid5393969 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [2]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab Jackery B. White was arrested and incarcerated in 1986 for the crimes of robbery and burglary.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
As a result, the court appointed attorney Peter F. Perez to represent him in numerous criminal cases encompassing the charges.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 While incarcerated, White apparently heard
 the admissions of another inmate and became an informant for the government in a murder case.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 After cooperating with the government, he was released from custody pending resolution of the cases.}{
\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [3]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab In March of 1993, White was again charged with robbery.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Again, attorney Peter F. Perez was appointed to represent him.}{
\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 However, Peter F. Perez successfully moved to withdraw from the more recent cases because he was related to the owner of IT&E, a company that had recently been robbed by White.}{\insrsid5393969  }{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Another attorney, Vicente Perez was appointed to represent the defendant on these later charges.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
Peter F. Perez continued his representation of White on the previous charges originating in 1986.}{\insrsid5393969  
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [4]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab On April 20, 1993, White entered a plea agreement in the 1986 cases while represented by attorney Peter F. Perez.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
He pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary in four different cases.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 For each count, he received a 3 year sentence, running concurrently.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
Testimony indicates that in exchange for his guilty pleas, charges in two other cases were dropped.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 In addition, the prosecutor agreed not to charge ten pending felony matters.}{\insrsid5393969  }{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Another term of the agreement was that the government would not mention White}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s prior conviction during the sentencing.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 These outside terms were not mentioned in the plea agreement but were testified to at the hearings.}{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [5]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab On August 13, 1993, while represented by attorney Vicente Perez, White pleaded guilty to robbery.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 He also admitte
d to the special allegation of committing a felony while on release.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Sentencing was left to the discretion of the trial judge.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
Consequently, he was given a 30 year sentence, 10 years for the robbery and an additional 20 years imprisonment for the special allegation.}{\insrsid5393969  
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [6]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab In August 1994, White filed both a Writ of Habeas Corpus and later, an Amended Writ of Habeas Corpus in the Superior Court.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
Attorney Mark Beggs was subsequently appointed to represent him.}{\insrsid5393969  
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [7]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab At a hearing on February 2, 1995, the parties were notified that the writ would issue.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
The court also ordered that the return of the writ be filed within seven days of the writ}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s issuance.}{
\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 The court subsequently issued the writ on February 6, 1995.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 However, the return was not filed within seven days of its issuance.}{\insrsid5393969  

\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [8]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab At the February 2, 1995 hearing, it was also agreed that an evidentiary hearing would take place on February 22, 1995.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
However, the hearing was not conducted due to a conflict of interest and the resulting withdrawal of attorney Beggs.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
At that time, attorney D. Paul Vernier was appointed to represent White in this matter.}{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [9]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab  A hearing on the writ was eventually conducted on September 13, 1995.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 On this date, the Return was also filed.}{
\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 This was seven months after the Writ had issued.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 A supplemental return was later filed on October 20, 1995.}{\insrsid5393969  
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [10]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab At the hearing, Petitioner initially argued a return of the writ was mandatory under Guam law and the government failed to file as required.}{\insrsid5393969  }{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 The assertions contained in the petition, White maintained, were not opposed and should be taken as admitted by the government to be true.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
Consequently, White asserted discharge was the appropriate remedy in the matter.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 The court took the issues
 surrounding the return under advisement and subsequently issued a Decision and Order on September 18, 1996 denying White}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s request for relief on these procedural grounds.}{\insrsid5393969  
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [11]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab Testimony was also received at the September 13, 1995 hearing.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Peter F. Perez, petitioner}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s former attorney, was called as a witness.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
His testimony later concluded on September 20, 1995.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Testimony was again taken at an evidentiary hearing held on January 6, 1997 during which several witnesses were called.}{\insrsid5393969  }{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 At the conclusion of the hearing, the court again took the matter under advisement and later, in a Decision and Order filed on May 12, 1997, denied petitioner}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s relief.}{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [12]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab Petitioner timely filed a Notice of Appeal of the trial court}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s order denying relief.}{\insrsid5393969  
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 ANALYSIS}{\insrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\insrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [13]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab Although this matter was filed as an appeal of
 an order denying habeas relief, we elect to treat this matter as an original petition for a writ of habeas corpus.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 As we decided in }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Borja v. Bitanga, et al.}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 , 1998 Guam 29, this court has no jurisdiction to hear an appeal of a trial court}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s decision denying a writ of habeas corpus.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Id. }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 at }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  12.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
However, using our discretion, we may treat this matter as an original petition for a writ of habeas corpus and address the merits of the arguments.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Id. }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 at }{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  14.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Relying upon the record generated by the t
rial court, we review the issues }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 de novo}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 . }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 United States v. Span}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 , 75 F.3d 1383 (9}{
\super\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 th}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  Cir. 1996). }{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [14]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab Appellant first argues he was not properly represented by either counsel because of}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 conflicts of interest.}{\insrsid5393969 
 }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Specifically, both attorneys were related to Joe Perez, the majority shareholder of a company victimized by Petitioner.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 The company, IT&E, was robbed in March of 1993.}
{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 These conflicts, White asserts, denied him effective assistance of counsel.}{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [15]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab Both parties cite to }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Cuyler v. Sullivan}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 , 446 U.S. 335, 100 S.Ct. 1708 (1980).}{\insrsid5393969  }{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 The United States Supreme Court opined }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
[i]n order to establish a violation of the Sixth Amendment, a defendant who raises no objection at trial must demonstrate that an actual conflict of interest adversely affected his lawyer}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s performance.}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  }
{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Id.}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  at 348, 100 S.Ct. at 1718.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Two elements must thus be shown by a petitioner proceeding on
 an ineffective assistance claim based on attorney conflicts.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 First, the petitioner must prove the existence of }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 an actual conflict of interest.}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid5393969  }{
\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Stoia v. United States}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 , 22 F.3d 766, 770 (7}{\super\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 th}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  Cir. 1994)(discussing the requirements set out in }{
\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Cuyler}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 ).}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 An actual conflict of interest occurs if}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 the defense attorney was required to make a choice advancing his own interests to the detriment of his client}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s interests.}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid5393969  }{
\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Id. }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 at 771 (citations omitted).}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 The petitioner must also make a showing that the actual conflict had }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 an adverse effect on the lawyer}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s performance.}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid5393969  }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Id. 
}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 at 770}{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 (citations omitted).}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 An adverse effect results when the actual conflict causes an ac
tual lapse in an attorney}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s representation.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Id.}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  }{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [16]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab In this matter, White cannot identify an actual conflict adversely affecting either lawyer}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s performance.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 He writes:}{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Such adverse affect should be }{\b\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 assumed}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
 in this case by the fact that the appellant received thirty (30) years imprisonment - with absolutely no plea agreement or sentence }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 cap}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
 -- and by the fact the [sic] Peter F. Perez, implicitly acknowledged the adverse affect such a conflict would create by moving to withdraw from representing the appellant.}{\insrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\insrsid5393969 
\par }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Appellant}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s Opening Brief, Pg. 7 (emphasis added).}{\insrsid5393969  
}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Likewise, the court, based on a review of the record, cannot find or identify circumstances that show either attorneys}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  performance was actually adversely affected by the conflict.}{\insrsid5393969  
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [17]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab 
As to attorney Peter F. Perez, the testimony is clear that he negotiated a plea agreement enabling his client to receive minimal sentences on some charges and complete discharge of other crimes.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
This was accomplished notwithstanding numerous pending criminal allegations, both charged and uncharged.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
Moreover, Peter F. Perez was able to enter into an agreement whereby the government attorney would not raise the issue of White}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s prior conviction of a serious felony, thus avoiding enhancement of the sentence.}{\insrsid5393969  
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [18]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab As to attorney Vincente Perez, his testimony indicates that he did not know of his relationship to the majority shareholder of the victimized company.}{\insrsid5393969  }{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Thus, without this knowledge of the relationship, he would not and could not have made legal decisions that would have advanced his or his relative}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s interest.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 There is no basis to assert that a conflict influenced his representation.}{\insrsid5393969  }{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Even if a conflict existed, Petitioner again has not made a showing that the performance of attorney Vicente Perez was adversely affected by such conflict.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
Contrary to Petitioner}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s contention,
 the failure to obtain a plea agreement is not indicative of a conflict affecting representation, primarily because a defendant has no right to receive such a plea agreement.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
Additionally, Vincente Perez testified that he attempted to obtain a plea agreement but the prosecutor was }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 hard}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  on his client and declined to enter into a plea.}{
\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Equally important, the decision to plead }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
straight up}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
 was discussed between attorney and client several times before proceeding on this course of action.}{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [19]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab White also contends that the government failed to timely return the writ as required under Guam law.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
As a result, he asserts the allegations in the petition were admitted by the government.}{\insrsid5393969  
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [20]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab A petitioner initiates habeas relief by filing a petition with the Superior Court.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 8 GCA }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  135.12 (1993).}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
If it appears that the writ should issue, a judge should grant it without delay and direct the writ to the person having custody of the petitioner. 8 GCA }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  135.16 and 135.18 (1993).}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
If the writ is not returned, then Guam law provides a remedy.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 8 GCA }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  135.22 (1993) reads as follows:}{\insrsid5393969  
\par 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Consequences of Failure to Honor Writ.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 If the person to whom the writ is directed refus
es, after service, to obey the same, the court or judge, upon affidavit, shall issue an attachment against such person, directed to the Chief of Police, commanding him forthwith to apprehend such person and bring him immediately before such court or judge
; and upon being so brought, he must be committed to the jail until he makes due return to such writ, or is otherwise legally discharged.}{\insrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\insrsid5393969 
\par }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 This provision appears to be the only statutory remedy available for the failure of a person to return the writ.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 It p
laces the burden on the petitioner to file an affidavit with the court so that a warrant may be issued for the person required to file the return.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
The person is then brought before the court, and upon imprisonment or threat of imprisonment, he is forced to file the return.}{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [21]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab In this matter, the affidavit was not filed and the respondent never brought before the court as contemplated by 8 GCA }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  135.22.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 This statutory remedy was available to the petitioner but was not utilized.}{\insrsid5393969  
}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 It is clear that this was never done because the parties understood that the issues were disputed and an evidentiary hearing would occur.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
In fact, the evidentiary hearing was scheduled but later taken off calendar due to the conflict of Petitioner}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s previous counsel.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
Consequently, we do not agree with Petitioner that the failure to file the Return in a timely manner is equivalent to admitting the allegations of the petition.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
Similarly, we disagree that dismissal is an appropriate remedy.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 In order to ensure a response, 8 GCA }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  135.22 is the statutory mechanism for compliance.}{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [22]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab Appellant argues that 8 GCA }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  135.24 (1993) requires the return to be filed.}{\cs15\super\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri1440\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin1440\lin1440\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid9455948 \chftn }{\insrsid9455948 \tab }{\fs20\insrsid9455948 8 GCA }{\fs20\insrsid9455948 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{
\fs20\insrsid9455948  135.24 reads as follows:  The person upon whom the writ is served shall state in his return, plainly and unequivocally:
\par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li2160\ri1440\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin1440\lin2160\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9455948 (a)\tab Whether he has or has not the party in his custody, or under his power or restraint;
\par (b)\tab If he has the party in his custody or power, or under his restraint, he shall state the authority and the cause of such imprisonment or restraint; 
\par (c)\tab If the party is detained by virtue of any writ, warrant, or other written authority, a copy thereof shall be annexed to the return, and the original produced and exhibited to the court on the hearing of such return.
\par (d)\tab If the person upon whom the writ is served had the 
party in his power  or custody, or under his restraint, at any time prior or subsequent to the date of the writ of habeas corpus, but has transferred such custody or restraint to another, the return shall state particularly to whom, at what time and place
, for what cause, and by what authority such transfer took place; 
\par (e)\tab The return shall be signed by the person making the same, and except when such person is a sworn public officer and makes such return in his official capacity, it shall be verified by his oath.
\par }}}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Although the statute contemplates the filing of a return, the only mandate of this section refers to the content of the actual return.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
The statute, by using the term }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 shall}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  requires the return to state plainly and unequivocally certain factual conditions.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
This particular statute does not require the writ}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s return.}{\insrsid5393969  }{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 As discussed earlier, the honoring of the writ by return is addressed in 8 GCA }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  135.22.}{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [23]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab In }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Bleitner v. Welborn}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 , 15 F.3d 652 (7}{\super\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 th}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  Cir. 1994), the appellate court discussed whether the district court should have entered a default judgment for an untimely response in a habeas matter.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
The return was not filed by the deadline and the motion to extend its filing was submitted two weeks after the return}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s original deadline.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Id.}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  at}{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 653.}{\insrsid5393969  }{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 A default is a sanction, and sanctions should be proportionate to the wrong.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Id.}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 ; s}{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 ee also}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 People v. Tuncap}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 , 1998 Guam 13, }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 23-29 (stating, in the context of a discovery violation, t
hat a less severe sanction should be imposed if it will accomplish compliance with the court}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s order).}
{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Releasing a properly convicted prisoner or imposing on the stat
e the costs and uncertainties of retrying him, perhaps many years after the offense, is apt to be a disproportionate sanction for the wrong of failing to file a timely motion for an extension of time.}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid5393969  }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Bleitner, }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 15 F.3d at}{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 653.}{
\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Habeas relief is a strong remedy reserved for serious matters rather than merely technical violations of rights.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Id.}{\insrsid5393969  }{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 While prompt dispositions of habeas matters are desirable and }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
at some point delay in the disposition of a petition caused by the government}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 
s willfully refusing to file a response might infringe the petitioner}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s right of due process,}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  the matter should still proceed to the merits of the petition.}{\insrsid5393969  }{
\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Id.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 If the petition had no merit, then the delay will have caused no prejudice to the petitioner.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\i\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Id.}{
\i\insrsid5393969 
\par }{\insrsid5393969\charrsid5393969 
\par }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [24]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab If this court were to construe the delay in filing the return as significant in this particular instance, the sanction of dismissal would not be appropriate.}{\insrsid5393969  
}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 As discussed earlier, the circumstances of this case indicated all parties understood the assertions contained in the petition were d
isputed and that an evidentiary hearing was necessary and, therefore, a hearing was scheduled by the trial court before the return.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 The failure to file the return was a technical violation.}{
\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Dismissing the matter for such violation would be disproportionate to the offense.}{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Also, because we find no merit in the Petitioner}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s allegations, we find that no prejudice has been suffered by him.}{\insrsid5393969 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 CONCLUSION}{\insrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\insrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 [25]}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 \tab The court hereby }{\b\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 DENIES}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969  Petitioner}{
\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 s request for habeas relief.}{\insrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\insrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 JOAQUIN C. ARRIOLA, SR.\tab \tab \tab }{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 EDUARDO A. CALVO
\par Associate Justice\tab \tab \tab \tab }{\insrsid5393969  }{\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 Associate Justice}{\insrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\insrsid5393969 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5393969 {\insrsid9455948\charrsid5393969 PETER C. SIGUENZA
\par Chief Justice
\par }}