United States v. Sykes

OPINION OF THE COURT

LANE, Judge:

Contrary to his pleas, the appellant was convicted, by a general court-martial composed of officer and enlisted members, of unpremeditated murder, in violation of Article 118, Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. § 918 (1988) [hereinafter UCMJ]. The convening authority approved the adjudged sentence to a dishonorable discharge, confinement for twenty-five years, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and reduction to Private El.

The appellant asserts, inter alia, that his individually-retained civilian defense counsel was ineffective by failing to object…