Villarreal v. Texas · ¶20

The Sixth Amendment guarantees as “fundamental” a criminal defendant's right to consult with his counsel. See, e. g., Powell v. Alabama, 287 U. S. 45, 68 (1932). When a defendant opts to take the witness stand, however, he “[a]ssum[es] the position of a witness,” with its attendant “criticisms and burdens.” Reagan v. United States, 157 U. S. 301, 305 (1895). One such burden: Courts may limit advice from counsel aimed at “infuenc[ing] the testimony in light of the testimony already given.” Geders, 425 U. S., at 87.

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