Following a jury trial, Robert Jones was convicted on one count of aggravated assault1 and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.2 He appeals his conviction and the denial of his motion for new trial, arguing that he should be granted a new trial because he received ineffective assistance of counsel. For the reasons set forth below, we affirm. Viewed in a light most favorable to the verdict, Davis v. State ,3 the record shows that in September 1996, Raleigh Head and Ralphie Jones the brother of Robert Jones were playing in a pickup basketball game on the basketball court of the apartment complex where they both lived. At the game’s conclusion, Head and Ralphie began arguing. As the argument escalated, Ralphie attempted to start a fight with Head, but Head left the court and returned to his apartment. Several minutes later, Head was informed by one of the Ralphie’s friends that Robert Jones wanted to talk to him. Head agreed and went outside to meet Robert in front of Robert’s apartment. During their conversation, Robert demanded that Head accept Ralphie’s challenge to settle their earlier argument by fighting. Head refused, but before he could leave, Ralphie and two of his friends approached and a scuffle ensued. As Head was backing away trying to retreat, he heard a gunshot and quickly realized that Robert had shot him. Head attempted to protect himself, but Robert shot him four more times before fleeing the scene. Witnesses to the fight called an ambulance, and Head was taken to the hospital, where he remained for ten days while his gunshot wounds were successfully treated.
Robert was arrested and indicted on one count of aggravated assault, one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.4 At Robert’s trial on the aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime charges, Head and two witnesses recounted the details of the fight and shooting. At the conclusion of the trial, Robert was found guilty on both charges. Thereafter, he obtained new counsel and filed a motion for new trial, which was amended and ultimately denied after a hearing. This appeal followed.
