Conflict of interest requires new trial

In Staggs v. State, the South Carolina supreme court in a PCR case ordered a new trial because trial counsel had a conflict of interest in representing Staggs in his trial for murder, while simultaneously representing Staggs’ father, mother and brother on accessory after the fact charges. Trial counsel did not permit Staggs or any of his family members to testify because he was concerned that either Staggs' testimony would be damaging to the family, or the family's testimony would be damaging to Staggs.