Chuong Duong Tong v. Texas

How later courts describe this case

• holding that an appellant must prove there exists a reasonable probability that the outcome would have been different but for counsel’s unprofessional errors
• holding that because the record was silent as to why defense counsel failed to object, it was insufficient to overcome the presumption that his actions were part of a strategic plan
• holding counsel’s failure to object to victim impact testimony and evidence was not ineffective assistance of counsel when the trial record was silent as to counsel’s strategy
• appellant must prove there exists a reasonable probability that the outcome would have been different but for counsel’s unprofessional errors