LaVigne v. State

OPINION

MOORE, Justice.

Petitioner Ronald J. LaVigne’s lawyer denied him the opportunity to testify in his own behalf at his criminal trial. After being convicted by a jury, LaVigne moved for a new trial on the grounds that his rights under the United States and Alaska Constitutions were violated. The superior court denied LaVigne’s motion after LaVigne refused to offer proof of what his testimony would have been, thus establishing that he was prejudiced by the violation of his rights. The court of appeals upheld the decision. LaVigne v. State, 788 P.2d 52 (Alaska App.1990). It agreed that any…