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{\title IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\author lroberto}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo8\dy12\hr9\min3}{\revtim\yr2006\mo3\dy14\hr8\min6}{\version5}{\edmins4}{\nofpages9}{\nofwords3107}{\nofchars17715}{\*\company Superior Court of Guam}
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\i\f112\fs20\insrsid8998768 Angoco v. Bitanga}{\f112\fs20\insrsid8998768 , Opinion\tab Page }{\field{\*\fldinst {\f112\fs20\insrsid8998768 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\f112\fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid3541127 1}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid8998768  of 13
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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\insrsid14627970 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 MARK BAMBA ANGOCO, }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Petitioner-Appellee
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 EDUARDO C. BITANGA}{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 
\par Director of Corrections, Government of Guam}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  
\par Respondent-Appellant}{\insrsid14627970 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Supreme Court Case No. CVA99-024
\par Superior Court Case No. SP0039-98}{\insrsid14627970 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 OPINION}{\insrsid14627970 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Filed: July 11, 2001}{\insrsid14627970 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Cite as:}{\b\insrsid14627970  }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 2001 Guam 17}{\insrsid14627970 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Original Writ in the Supreme Court of Guam
\par Argued and submitted on December 10, 1999
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam
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\par }{\ul\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Appearing for the Respondent-Appellant}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 :
\par Angela M. Borzachillo, 
\par Assistant Attorney General 
\par Office of the Attorney General
\par Prosecution Division
\par 2-200E Judicial Center Building
\par 120 West O'Brien Drive 
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910 \cell 
\par }{\ul\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Appearing for the Petitioner-Appellee}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 :
\par Howard Trapp, Esq. 
\par Howard Trapp Incorporated
\par 200 Saylor Building
\par 139 Chalan Santo Papa
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910 
\par 
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\par }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 BEFORE: BENJAMIN J.F. CRUZ, Chief Justice, RICHARD H. BENSON, and JOHN A. MANGLONA, Designated Justices. 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par CRUZ, CJ.:
\par }{\b\insrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [1]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab The Government appeals from the trial court}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s grant of a writ of }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
habeas corpus}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  to Petitioner-Appellee on the ground of ineffective assistance of counsel during the appeal of Angoco}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s conviction.}{\insrsid14627970  }
{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 We affirm the judgment of the trial court and further hold that in jury trials commenced after the filing of this opinion, the trial courts shall instruct juries as to any included offenses havi
ng a rational basis in the evidence without regard to whether such instructions were requested or objected to by the prosecution or defense.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 I.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
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\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [2]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab Mark Bamba Angoco (}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Angoco}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
) was charged with felony aggravated murder, premeditated aggravated murder, first degree robbery, burglary, theft, special allegations of use of a deadly weapon, and hindering apprehension or prosecution of murder.}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 At the end of the jury trial, counsel did not argue that Angoco was entitled to an instruction on the lesser-included}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
offense of negligent homicide within the felony aggravated murder charge and the trial court did not }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 sua sponte }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 provide the instruction.}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 The jury found Angoco guilty of felony aggravated murder and of hindering apprehension.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 People v. Angoco}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
, CF0428-94 (Super. Ct. Guam May 24, 1995).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 The jury acquitted Angoco of the robbery charge and the other offenses.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Id}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 .}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Angoco was sentenced to life imprisonment without eligibility for parole.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Id}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 .
\par }{\b\insrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [3]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab Angoco, represented by his trial counsel, appealed the conviction, but it was affirmed.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 People v. Angoco}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , Crim. No. 95-00094A, 1996 WL 875777 (D. Guam App. Div. Oct. 16, 1996).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Through new (and present) counsel, A
ngoco appealed the decision of the Appellate Division to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
At the Ninth Circuit, Angoco, among other arguments, complained that his prior counsel failed to argue, on appeal to the Appellate Division, that the trial court committed reversible error by not instructing the jury }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
sua sponte}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  on lesser included offenses to the aggravated felony murder charge.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 The Court of Appeals affirmed the Appellate Division}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 
'}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s decision without prejudice as to any claims of ineffective assistance of appellate counsel.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 People v. Angoco}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
, 131 F.3d 147 (9th Cir. 1997).
\par }{\b\insrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [4]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab Angoco thereafter initiated the case at bar by filing a Petition for Writ of }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Habeas Corpus }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
on the basis of ineffective assistance of appellate counsel.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 The trial court granted the writ.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 People v. Angoco}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , SP0039-98 (Super. Ct. Guam June 11, 1999).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 This appeal followed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 II.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
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\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [5]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab We have jurisdiction over this appeal pursuant to Title 7 GCA }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  3107 (1994).
\par }{\b\insrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [6]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab While a denial of }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 habeas}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  relief cannot be appealed, pursuant to 8 GCA }{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  135.74, the government may appeal a grant of }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 habeas }{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 relief.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 See Borja v. Bitanga}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1998 Guam 29, }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  12.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 A court}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s decision to grant a writ of }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 habeas corpus}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  is reviewed }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 de novo.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 McKinney v. Rees}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
, 993 F.2d 1378, 1380 n.1 (9th Cir. 1993).}{\insrsid8998768 
\par }{\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [7] }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel is properly brought on a petition for writ of }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 habeas corpus}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 .}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 People v. Ueki}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 4, }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  5; }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 People v. Perez}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 2, }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  33.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Although this court has stated that such a claim is a question of law to be reviewed }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 de novo}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 ,}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 People v. Camacho}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 27, }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  16;}{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  People v. Kintaro}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 15, }{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  10; }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Ueki}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 4, at }{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  5; }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Perez}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 2, at }{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  33; }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 People v. Reyes}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
, 1998 Guam 32, }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  9; }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 People v. Quintanilla}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1998 Guam 17, }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  8, the two-prong test we adopted from }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Strickland v. Washington}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052 (1984), by necessity requires review of both fact and law.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Thus, to clarify the standard, we adopt that set forth by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals: }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
[a] claim of ineffective assistance of counsel is a mixed question of law and fact that is reviewed }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 de novo}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 .}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 United States v. Birtle}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 792 F.2d 846, 847 (9th Cir. 1986).
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 III.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\b\insrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [8]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab A claim of ineffective assistance of trial counsel is evaluated under the }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Strickland v. Washington}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
 two-prong test. }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Strickland}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
The first prong requires that a defendant demonstrate that his trial counsel's performance was deficient, and the second prong requires that a defendant must prove the deficient performance prejudiced his defense.}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Camacho}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 27 at }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  22; }
{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Kintaro}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 15 at }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  11; 
}{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Ueki}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 4 at }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  6; }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Perez}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 2 at }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  33; }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Reyes}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1998 Guam 32 at }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  9; }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Quintanilla}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1998 Guam 17 at }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
 8.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel during an appeal is also evaluated under the }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Strickland}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  two-prong test.}{
\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 See Smith v. Robbins}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 528 U.S. 259, 285, 120 S.Ct. 746, 764 (2000); }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Smith v. Murray}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
, 477 U.S. 527, 535-36, 106 S.Ct. 2661, 2667 (1986); }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Evitts v. Lucey}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 469 U.S. 387, 393-96, 105 S.Ct. 830, 834-836 (1985).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Under the first prong of }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Strickland}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , a defendant must show that }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}
}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 counsel made errors so serious that counsel was not functioning as the }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 counsel}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Strickland}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052 at 2064.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Under }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Strickland}{\i\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  second prong, the defendant must show that }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 counsel}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
s errors were so serious as to deprive the defendant of a fair trial, a trial whose result is reliable.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Id}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 .}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Accordingly, the defendant must show that }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Id}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 . 466 U.S. at 694, 104 S.Ct. 2052 at 2068.}{\insrsid8998768 
\par }{\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [9]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab Previously, this court noted that there are no specific rules to govern counsel}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
s conduct and that much deference must be given when such conduct is reviewed.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 See Quintanilla}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1998 Guam 17 at }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  9 (}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [A] court should recognize that counsel is strongly presumed to have rendered adequate assistance and made all significant decisions in the exercise of reasonable professional judgment}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 ); }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 see also}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Kintaro}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 15 at }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
 17 (stating that the nature of such review is deferential).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 In rendering effective assistance, counsel is not required to put forth every conceivable argument }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 regardless of merit.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Evitts}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 469 U.S. at 394, 105 S.Ct. at 834-835 (citation omitted).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 The 
process of weeding out weak arguments and focusing on those more likely to prevail }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
far from being evidence of incompetence, is the hallmark of effective appellate advocacy.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Murray}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 477 U.S. at 535-36, 106 S.Ct. at 2667 (citations omitted).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Where counsel consciously decides to omit a defense or pursue a certain argument, such conduct is deliberate strategy, and a choice of strategy that backfires is not the equivalent of ineffective assistance of counsel.}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 People v. Carbullido}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , Crim. No. 93-0078A, 1994 WL 129722, at *2 (D. Guam App. Div. Mar. 15, 1994) (citing }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Well v. Blodgett}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 5 F.3d 1180 (9th Cir. 1993)).}{\insrsid8998768 
\par }{\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [10]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab At the hearing for }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 habeas }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
relief, appellate counsel explained why he did not raise the issue of the trial court}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s allegedly reversible error:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Never crossed my mind.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 There }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 66 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  in the Appellate Division, there was seven issues raised.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 In an appeal it}{
\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s important you limit your issues to the most viable ones that an appellate court can review.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
And quite frankly, the issue of a Lesser-Included Offense to Felony Murder just never even crossed my mind.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par Transcript vol. --, p. 12 (Writ of }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Habeas Corpus}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  Dec. 31, 1998).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Appellate counsel further stated at the }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 habeas }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 proceeding that, in retrospect, he believed the omitted instruction argument was Angoco}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
s best argument for reversal. Transcript vol. --, p. 13 (Writ of }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Habeas Corpus}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  Dec. 31, 1998)}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Thus, by his own admissions, counsel shows unequivocally that his failure was not tactical or trial strategy, but that he never even considered the instruction. Thus, we must find that his performance was sufficiently deficient to satisfy }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Strickland}{\i\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  first prong.}{\insrsid8998768 
\par }{\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [11]\tab }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 To find whether Angoco}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s appeal was prejudiced pursuant to }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Strickland}{\i\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  second prong requires a determination of whether there is a reasonable prob
ability that the omitted argument could have resulted in a reversal of his conviction.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 This in turn requires an inquiry into whether Angoco was entitled to the instruction in the first instance.}{
\insrsid8998768 
\par }{\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [12]\tab }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 In }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 People v. Perez}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 2, this court provided the test for whether a defendant is entitled to an instruction on a lesser-included offense.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [T]he defendant must demonstrate that (1) the lesser offense is within the offense charged, and (2) based
 on the evidence presented at trial, a rational jury could find the defendant guilty of the lesser offense but not the greater.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Id}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 . at }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
 24 (citing }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 United States v. Wagner}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 834 F.2d 1474, 1487 (9th Cir.1987)).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
A rational basis for the verdict on the lesser offense exists if there is substantial evidence supporting the verdict.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 People v. Breverman}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
, 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 870, 882, 19 Cal.4th 142, 162, 960 P.2d 1094, 1106 (1998) (affirming that }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
a trial court errs if it fails to instruct, }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 sua sponte}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , on all theories of a lesser included offense which find substantial support in the evidence.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 ).}{\insrsid14627970 
\par }{\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [13]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab We begin with the definition of lesser-included offense as provided by 8 GCA }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14627970  105.58:}{\insrsid8998768 
\par }{\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Guilt of Included Offense Permitted: Defined.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (a)\tab The jury, or the judge if a jury trial is waived, may find the d
efendant guilty of any offense, the commission of which is included in that with which he is charged.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (b)\tab An offense is included under Subsection (a) when:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (1) It is established by proof of the same or less than all the facts required to establish the commission of the offense charged;}{
\insrsid8998768 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (2) It consists of an attempt or solicitation to commit the offense charged or to commit an offense otherwise included therein; or
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (3) It differs from the offense charged only in the respect that a less serious injury or risk
 of injury to the same person, property or public interest or a lesser kind of culpability suffices to establish its commission.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par Title 8 GCA }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  105.58 (1993).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Accordingly, we review the statutory definitions of felony aggravated murder and negligent homicide.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Felony aggravated murder is criminal homicide committed during the commission or attempt to commit a felony.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Title 9 GCA }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  16.30(a)(2) (1993).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Negligent homicide is criminal homicide committed by criminal negligence.}{\insrsid14627970  }
{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Title 9 GCA }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  16.60(a) (1993).}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Both crimes share the element of criminal homicide which is defined by 9 GCA }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  16.20:
\par }{\insrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Criminal Homicide Defined.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (a)\tab A person is guilty of criminal homicide if he causes the death of another human being:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (1) intentionally and with premeditation; or}{\insrsid8998768 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (2) intentionally; or}{\insrsid8998768 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (3) knowingly; or}{\insrsid8998768 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (4) recklessly; or}{\insrsid8998768 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (5}{\insrsid14627970 )}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  by criminal negligence.}{\insrsid8998768 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Title 9 GCA }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  16.20 (1993).}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Thus, the elements of felony aggravated murder are:}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (1) causing the death of another; (2) either inten
tionally and with premeditation, intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or by criminal negligence; and (3) during the commission or attempt to commit a felony.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Further, the elements of negligent homicide are:}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (1) causing the death of another; and (2) by criminal negligence.}{\cs15\super\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain 
\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\fs20\super\insrsid8998768 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid8998768  The Guam Code Annotated defines criminal negligence.
\par 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid8998768 
A person acts with criminal negligence, or is criminally negligent, with respect to attendant circumstances or the result of his conduct when he should be aware of a substantial an
d unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or that his conduct will cause the result and his failure to be aware of the risk constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in the situation.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid8998768 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid8998768  Title 9 GCA }{\fs20\insrsid8998768 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid8998768  4.30(d) (1993).
\par }}}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 But for the underlying felony, negligent homicide shares the same elements with felony aggravated murder.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
If the second element of felony aggravated murder is based on criminal negligence, then negligent homicide would be a lesser-included offense.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
In the instant case, the felony aggravated murder charge in the indictment of Angoco read as follows:}{\insrsid8998768 
\par }{\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\ul\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 SECOND CHARGE}{\ul\insrsid8998768 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \fi720\li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 On or about the 29th day of October, 1994, in the Territory of Guam, MARK BAMBA ANGOCO and JOHN JUNIOR PANGELINAN, }{
\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 with criminal negligence}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , caused the death of another human being, that is, Darwin Datuin,}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
during the commission of the felony of robbery}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 as alleged in the Third Charge below, an offense set forth under 9 G.C.A. Chapter 40, in violation of 9 G.C.A. }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 16.30(a)(2), 16.30(b) and 4.60.

\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par Respondents}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  Excerpts of Record Part. I at Tab 1 (Indictment p. 2) (emphasis added).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Therefore, we must conclude that, under 8 GCA 
}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
 105.58(b)(1), negligent homicide is a lesser-included offense of felony aggravated murder as charged against Angoco.}{\insrsid8998768 
\par }{\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [14]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab Turning to the second part of the }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Perez}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
 test, a trial court is required to issue an instruction when there is a rational basis for acquitting the defendant of the offense charged and convicting him of the included offense.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Perez}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 2 at }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  24.}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Specifically, the statute provides: }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
When there is a rational basis for a verdict acquitting the defendant of the offense charged and convicting him of an included offense, the court shall charge the jury with respect to the included offense.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Title 8 GCA }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  90.27 (1993).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Thus, the issue becomes whether the jury could have rationally acquitted Angoco of the felony aggravated murder charge and convicted him of the negligent homicide charge.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
The ultimate factual dispute is whether the criminal homicide took place during the commission of a felony.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
More specifically, if there is substantial evidence that the robbery did not occur, then there would be a rational basis for the jury to conclude that Angoco was not guilty of felony aggravated murder but that he was guilty of negligent homicide.}{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  See Breverman}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 ,}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 In deciding whether there is substantial evidence of a lesser offense, courts should not evaluate the credibility of witnesses, a task for the jury.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Id}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 . 77 Cal.Rptr.2d at 882, 19 Cal.4th at 162, 960, P.2d at1106.}{\insrsid8998768 
\par }{\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [15]\tab }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Turning therefore to the evidence, in our }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 de novo}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
 review of this case, the voluminous transcripts of the criminal trial submitted in this appeal plainly show that Angoco was indicted for robbery and theft along with the murder and other charges.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
The government provided much witness testimony to show that the victim was killed in order to rob him of money, drugs or guns.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 However, the record also contains ev
idence Angoco did not commit a robbery during the alleged killing:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 1.\tab Testimony of a police officer that the body of the victim was found with his watch and wallet containing $4.00 cash.}
{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Transcript vol. VI, pp. 84-86 (Jury Trial April 12, 1995);
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 2.\tab Testimony of the victim}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
s wife that he did not have guns or large amounts of cash or drugs.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Transcript vol. IV, pp. 108-121 (Jury Trial April 10, 1995);
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 3.\tab Testimony of two of the victim}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
s friends that the victim did not have drugs or large amounts of cash.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Transcript vol. V, pp. 20-21, 57 (Jury Trial April 11, 1995);
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 4.\tab Testimony that the victim was killed because Angoco owed someone a favor.}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Transcript vol. IX, p.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 130 (Jury Trial April 18, 1995); and
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 5.\tab Testimony that the victim was killed simply to get him out of the picture.}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Transcript vol. X, pp. 109-110 (Jury Trial April19, 1995).
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 6.\tab Testimony of Rickey Macintosh admitting that he entered the victim}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s house using keys that John Pangelinan gave him and took a CD player, money, fake drugs and a brief case which contained guns.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Transcript vol. X, pp. 120-143}{
\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (Jury Trial April19, 1995).
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 7.\tab Testimony of Rickey Macintosh admitting that he pled guilty to burglary of the house and th
eft money, briefcase, guns and CD player.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Transcript vol. X, p. 146.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 (Jury Trial April19, 1995).
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\b\insrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [16]\tab }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Thus, although it is clear that there is a great deal more evidence that a robbery had been planned and attempted than not, there is also
 substantial evidence that Angoco did not commit a robbery during the homicide.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
We find therefore that the jury rationally could have found that the homicide did not occur during a robbery and thus acquitted Angoco of the felony aggravated murder charge.}{\cs15\super\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain 
\qj \li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid8998768 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid8998768 
The fact that the jury acquitted Angoco of the robbery charge is irrelevant to this analysis.  Had the jury found Angoco guilty of robbery, our result here would not change.   }}}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
The resulting prejudice to Angoco indicates plain error by the trial court in not }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 sua sponte}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  issuing the lesser-included offense instruction to the jury despite the trial attorney}{
\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s failure to object or request the instruction.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 See}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Perez}
{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 1999 Guam 2 at }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  21 (}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
When there is no objection to the jury instructions at the time of trial, the court of appeals will review only for plain error. Plain error is a highly prejudicial error affecting substantial rights.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Such error will be found only where necessary to prevent a miscarriage of justice or to maintain the integrity of the judicial process.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}
{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  (citations omitted)).
\par }{\b\insrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [17]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab Moreover, in the context of the appellate counsel}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s error, there would have been a r
easonable probability that the District Court Appellate Division would have reversed the trial court had the omitted lesser-included offense argument been raised.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 See People v. Lastimoza}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , Crim. No. 82-0017A, 1983 WL 29940, at *4 (D. Guam App. Div. Aug. 16
, 1983) (reversing a conviction where there was evidence upon which the trial court could have based instructions on lesser included offenses and the court failed to }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 sua sponte}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
 issue such instructions).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 The fundamental fairness of the appeal and the reliability of the appellate court}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
s decision are thereby called into question.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Thus, appellate counsel}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s admission satisfies the second prong of the }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Strickland}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  test, that }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
the deficient performance prejudiced the defense.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [18]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab 
The method of selecting jury instructions, with one party or the other, or even the trial court itself, suggesting or objecting to lesser-included jury instructions is problematic.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Su
ch a system no doubt is the root cause of the ineffective assistance claim in this case.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Recently, the Supreme Courts of California and Hawaii addressed this issue and issued bright-line rules requiring their trial courts to issue jury instructions on les
ser-included offenses when the evidence supports verdicts on such offenses and despite any objections from the parties.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 People v.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Breverman}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 870, 19 Cal.4th 142, 960 P.2d 1094 (Cal. 1998); }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 State v. Haanio}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
, 16 P.3d 246, 248 (Haw. 2001).
\par }{\b\insrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [19]\tab }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
The administration of justice can only be accomplished if the jury has before it the full range of possible verdicts thus ensuring that the most accurate judgment is rendered.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 See}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Breverman}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 77 Cal.Rptr.2d at 876-877, 19 Cal.4th at155, 960 P.2d at 1101.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Elimination of the all-or-nothing jury instruction strategy serves the interests of the criminal justice system because }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [j]ust as the People have no legitimate interest in obtaining a conviction of a greater of
fense than that established by the evidence, a defendant has no right to an acquittal when that evidence is sufficient to establish a lesser included offense.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Id.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  77 Cal.Rptr.2d at 877-878, 19 Cal.4th at 155, 960 P.2d at 1101.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Its elimination would prevent ignorance and mistake and encourage }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
a verdict . . . no harsher or more lenient than the evidence merits.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14627970  }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Id}{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 .
\par }{\b\insrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [20]\tab }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Moreover, a defendant has no constitutional or substantial right to hold from the jury instructions on lesser included offenses.}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Haanio}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 , 16 P.3d at 255-256.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Our courts are not gambling halls but forums for the discovery of truth. . . . A trial court's fail
ure to inform the jury of its option to find the defendant guilty of the lesser offense would impair the jury's truth-ascertainment function.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Consequently, neither the prosecution nor the defense should be allowed, based on their trial strategy, to preclude the jury from considering guilt of a lesser offense included in the crime charged.}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
To permit this would {\*\bkmkstart SDUNumber38}{\*\bkmkend SDUNumber38}force the jury to make an }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
all or nothing}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  choice between conviction of the crime 
charged or complete acquittal, thereby denying the jury the opportunity to decide whether the defendant is guilty of a lesser included offense established by the evidence.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par }{\i\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Id}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 . 
\par }{\b\insrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [21]\tab }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 We agree fully with the Hawaii and California Supreme
 Courts and hold that trial courts must issue lesser-included offense instructions if there is a rational basis for such as shown by substantial evidence, without regard to whether such instructions were requested or objected to by the parties.}{
\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Guam}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s own lesser-included statute does not give discretion to the trial courts in this regard.}{\insrsid14627970  }{
\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [T]he court }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 shall}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
 charge the jury with respect to the included offense.}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  8 GCA }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970  90.27 (emphasis added).}{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
Thus, our rule fully comports with the law and advances the interests of justice. 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 IV.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970 
\par }{\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 [22]}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab The failure of Angoco}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s counsel to raise the omitted instruction argument in his appeal to th
e Appellate Division was prejudicial error.}{\insrsid14627970\charrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 The trial court}{\insrsid9374885\charrsid14627970 '}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 s decision granting Angoco habeas corpus relief is }{
\b\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 AFFIRMED}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 .}{\insrsid14627970 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \fi-5760\li5760\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin5760\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 RICHARD H. BENSON\tab \tab \tab \tab }{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 JOHN A. MANGLONA
\par Designated Justice\tab }{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab \tab \tab }{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 \tab }{\insrsid14627970  }{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 Designated Justice}{\insrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qj \fi-5760\li5760\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin5760\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14627970 {\insrsid14627970 BENJAMIN J.F. CRUZ}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par }{\insrsid14627970 Chief Justice}{\insrsid8998768\charrsid14627970 
\par }}