California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Racines, F076361 (Cal. App. 2019):
Counsel decided to pursue an innocence defense rather than a voluntary intoxication defense. The decision not to present conflicting defenses is generally a wiser choice than pursuing a fallback defense. "The presentation of conflicting defenses is often tactically unwise because it tends to weaken counsel's credibility with the jury." (People v. Jones (1991) 53 Cal.3d 1115, 1138.)
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We conclude defense counsel made a reasonable tactical choice and therefore rendered effective assistance of counsel. (People v. Lewis, supra, 25 Cal.4th at pp. 674-675.)
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