Final answer:
An attorney has several obligations during plea bargaining, but the essential one to avoid 'ineffective assistance of counsel' is communicating all offers to the defendant. An attorney must ensure the defendant understands the offers and their consequences, which is in line with upholding a defendant's Sixth Amendment rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to an attorney's obligations during plea bargaining to avoid a label of "ineffective assistance of counsel", option C, communicating all offers to the defendant, is paramount. According to the landmark case Strickland v. Washington, for an attorney's performance to be considered effective, it must meet an objective standard of reasonableness. Failure to inform the client of a plea offer or the consequences of accepting one could render the attorney's performance as deficient and prejudicial. Padilla v. Kentucky further specifies that criminal defense attorneys must inform clients about the risks of deportation that come with convictions.
In the context of plea bargains, a defendant has the right to be fully informed of the offers on the table, as this is often the only opportunity to avoid more serious charges and the harsher sentences that come with them. While securing the maximum sentence reduction or achieving the quickest resolution may be ancillary goals, the attorney's fundamental duty includes thorough communication and ensuring that the defendant fully understands the implications of their plea. This mandate is inherently tied to a defendant's Sixth Amendment rights, which are meant to safeguard the fairness and integrity of the criminal justice process.