IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

DIVISION ONE

STATE OF WASHINGTON,

Respondent,

v.

CHARLES ALAN CHAPPELLE, JR.,

Appellant.

No. 70337-4-1

UNPUBLISHED OPINION

FILED: September 22, 2014

\o

Verellen, A.C.J. — Charles Chappelle appeals his conviction for second degree

assault, claiming that the trial court erred when it discharged defense counsel and

permitted him to represent himself on the second day of trial and that he lacked the

necessary materials to conduct an adequate pro se defense. He additionally argues

that he was denied his right to effective, conflict-free counsel at his motion for a new

trial. Viewing the record as a whole, Chappelle knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily

waived his right to counsel. He was also provided with reasonable accommodations

given the late date at which he requested to represent himself. Furthermore, Chappelle

fails to show that defense counsel appointed to represent him in his motion for a new

trial possessed an actual conflict of interest affecting her performance. Finally, the

argument in Chappelle's statement of additional grounds lacks merit. Accordingly, we

affirm.
No. 70337-4-1/2

FACTS

On June 9, 2012, Amr Elshahawany and several friends were celebrating a

birthday at a nightclub in downtown Seattle. The group left the nightclub when it closed,

and Elshahawany entered a nearby alley to urinate. Elshahawany noticed Chappelle

standing nearby and staring at him. The two men exchanged words. Elshahawany

then saw something come out of Chappelle's hand and felt Chappelle hit him in the

face. Elshahawany suffered a deep laceration that went all the way through his cheek.

He lost three liters of blood before medical personnel were able to stop the bleeding and

repair the wound. The State charged Chappelle with second degree assault with a

deadly weapon.

Carlos Gonzales of Northwest Defenders Association was assigned to represent

Chappelle. At the omnibus hearing on October 26, 2012, Chappelle filed a pro se

motion to dismiss and motion for change of counsel. The court informed Chappelle that

it would not hear his motion to dismiss because Chappelle was represented by counsel

but would hear his motion for change of counsel. Chappelle argued:

I'd like to change counsel because my witnesses haven't been seen, urn, I

haven't, urn, had any real representation, I've been working on another

case the whole time, a higher profile case, and I'm just now at trial. And

also the State wants to amend the charges, and Iwas being forced to go

to trial first on the assault two with a deadly weapon. Now the State wants

to amend the charges, and like Isaid, I have -- witnesses haven't even

been called upon, I haven't been given fair representation.111

Gonzales responded that he had attempted to contact Chappelle's proposed witnesses

multiple times but was unsuccessful. The court denied Chappelle's motion.

1 Report of Proceedings (RP) (Oct. 26, 2012) at 4.
No. 70337-4-1/3

On November 8, 2012, the first day of trial, the State and Gonzales argued

pretrial motions. Chappelle did not express any dissatisfaction with Gonzales.

However, on November 13, 2012, the second day of trial, Chappelle attempted to file

another pro se motion prior to jury selection. Though it was not clear what relief he was

seeking, Chappelle's motion contained the phrases "council [sic] refused to call

witness," "affidavit of prejudice" and "to change council [sic]."2 Gonzales stated,

So I don't feel comfortable handing this up, your Honor. But it just seems

unclear what... he wants to do is discharge counsel or to go pro se.

That's what I'm unclear about, because even after being told by the court

[not] to file motions he's still trying to file motions.[3]

The following exchange occurred:

GONZALES: Well, do you want to make a motion to discharge me or

make a motion to go pro se?

DEFENDANT: Yes. I make a motion to discharge counsel. This is

affidavit of prejudice. I have been trying to ~

THE COURT: Excuse me. Just a second. An affidavit of prejudice?

Against who? Me?

DEFENDANT: Affidavit of the prejudice against Court. Period. Out of

the interests for ~[4]

The trial court attempted to ascertain Chappelle's intentions, explaining that Chappelle

could not file an affidavit of prejudice because it had already made discretionary rulings.

Chappelle clarified his intention:

2 Clerk's Papers at 61-69.

3RP(Nov. 13, 2012) at 5.

4 Id. at 5-6.
No. 70337-4-1/4

This affidavit is, yes, to take you off the case. To take my counsel off the

case. I haven't been getting a fair representation, I don't feel, the whole

time. The motions that I want to have filed from the beginning when I was

injured . . . haven't been filed. There are no witnesses that's the - I never

went to sign continuance in any speedy rights, and none of that, all this

whole time they try force me to go to trial without seeing police reports,

and no witness there first. And another judge overturned that. So the

whole time I had --1 haven't been represented all the issues that's really

been going on with me.[5]

Chappelle then proceeded to complain about his health problems and his treatment by

jail staff. The trial court continued to attempt to ascertain what Chappelle wanted:

GONZALES: I think the only timely motion in front of this Court is

questionable. Timely is the motion to discharge counsel,

but other than that an affidavit of prejudice, Ithink, is,

since you made rulings already, it's too late for an

affidavit.

[PROSECUTOR]: Correct. Ithink the only motion he's close to making at

this point is a motion to discharge counsel, and I don't

know ifthat's really what he wants to do or not.

THE COURT:

DEFENDANT:

THE COURT:

GONZALES:

THE COURT:

You want to be without counsel? You want to represent

yourself?

No. I have actually had several lawyers that try to take

my case. Itry to change counsel, and motion to deny --

was denied. All my motion to dismiss was denied. All my

motions are never heard. Not given a chance to speak.

No. No, you can't speak. They never address any of my

issues. Oh, no. No. No. Because we don't want this on

the record. The whole time. No, you can't speak. Oh,

you can't speak on any issues. When these are actually

issues that's going on. Ongoing with me.

Ifthat's a motion to go pro se, it is very equivocal.

Well, pro se means do you want to represent yourself?

Are you asking to represent yourself?

DEFENDANT: Yes.

5RP(Nov. 13, 2012) at 7.
No. 70337-4-1/5

THE COURT:

DEFENDANT:

You -- yes. You want to go without counsel?

If I have to go with an intern, whatever I have to do. I'm

trying here.

THE COURT: A what?

DEFENDANT:

COURT:

If I have to get help, yes, I represent myself too. I have

been representing myself the whole time basically.

I wouldn't say, that's still a pretty equivocal statement,

counsel. Are you attempting to discharge --

DEFENDANT: Yes.

COURT: -- Mr. Gonzales, and to represent yourself pro se in this

case?

DEFENDANT: Yes.

COURT: You understand that if I allow Mr. Gonzales to be

discharged, you will be by yourself through the entire

case representing yourself?

DEFENDANT: Yes.

COURT: You will be required to follow appropriate -

DEFENDANT: Yes.

COURT: And when I make motions and in limine rulings you will be

required to abide by them.

DEFENDANT: Yes.!6'

After briefly involving Chappelle's uncle in the inquiry, the colloquy continued.

DEFENDANT: Okay. Yes, sir. I want to go forward. I want to go pro se.

I do want co-counsel.

THE COURT: There is no co-counsel.

DEFENDANT: No co-counsel?

6RP(Nov. 13, 2012) at 10-12.
No. 70337-4-1/6

THE COURT:

DEFENDANT:

THE COURT:

DEFENDANT:

THE COURT:

DEFENDANT:

THE COURT:

DEFENDANT:

THE COURT:

DEFENDANT:

THE COURT:

DEFENDANT:

THE COURTDEFENDANT:

THE COURTDEFENDANT:

THE COURT:

DEFENDANT:

THE COURT:

You go pro se, you represent yourself.

Okay. Well, that's fine.

You represent yourself, you are up here, you make all

your own decisions. You have no lawyer.

Okay.

You understand that? You are facing a -- I'm told that if

convicted you will have an offender score of a seven.

You will have a standard range of 43 to 57 months, plus

enhancement for the deadly weapon.

That's fine. I never had a deadly weapon.

Let me finish. So you are looking at a range of 55 to 69

months and a $10,000 fine.

Okay.

With maximum sentence of 120 months.

Okay.

You ever study anything about the law?

Just incarcerated.

You have been incarcerated, but never formally studied

the law?

No.

Have you ever represented yourself in the past?

No, I have not.

Have you ever attempted to represent anyone in a court

of law?

I have not. I have attempted but -

You know you are charged with assault in the second

degree, which is a more serious offense, which is also a

strike offense?
No. 70337-4-1/7

DEFENDANT: Yes.

THE COURT:

DEFENDANT:

THE COURT:

I already told you what the potential sentences are; do

you understand that?

Yes, I do.

You understand you represent yourself[,] I will not tell you

how to try the case or involve in any way, give you legal

advice?

DEFENDANT: YesJ71

The trial court briefly quizzed Chappelle on his knowledge of the rules of evidence and

criminal procedure, with which Chappelle demonstrated some familiarity.

THE COURT: Anyone put any pressure on you to waive right to

counsel?

DEFENDANT: No.

THE COURT: So this is all your decision?

DEFENDANT: Yes.

THE COURT: Finally, is it your desire to be without an attorney in this

case?

DEFENDANT: Yes.

THE COURT: You understand we are going to immediately start picking

a jury?

DEFENDANT: Yes.

THE COURT: There are no continuances.181

Chappelle requested the trial court file the motion he had previously handed up, to

which the trial court agreed.

7 Id at 13-14.

8 Id. at 16.
No. 70337-4-1/8

THE COURT: Are you ready to start picking a jury?

DEFENDANT: Yeah. Start picking a jury today?

THE COURT: Yeah.

DEFENDANT:

THE COURT:

GONZALES:

THE COURT:

GONZALES:

THE COURT:

DEFENDANT:

Okay.

As soon as we have got jurors. I don't know ifwe have

jurors down there or not. Do we have enough jurors?

And, Your Honor, am I excused? This is the question I

have for, your Honor. I'm on standby on another case, I

don't know if you wanted me to --

I'm not having standby.

So inform 1201 I'm ready for my next trial?

You're ready for your next trial if his ultimate decision is

unequivocal that he intends to represent himself, and he

intends to stick by that decision throughout the whole trial

and abide by my rulings. We are not going to hear

anything about your claims against the police department

and some other incidents.

No. It's not about claiming. I'm going to court for assault

two, right? That's what I'm charged with?

THE COURT: That's right. Assault two with

[PROSECUTOR]: Deadly weapon.

THE COURT:

DEFENDANT:

THE COURT:

Deadly weapon.

Okay. Yup.

I will tell you it is a - you may be very bright. You may

think you are doing the right thing. Iwould strongly

advise against what you are doing. Ithink any judge who

heard you would strongly advise against what you are

doing, but you have a constitutional right to do it. And so

long as you make the unequivocal decision to proceed

pro se I am required to allow it. Now, is that your

decision?

8
No. 70337-4-1/9

DEFENDANT: That's my decision.

THE COURT: Mr. Gonzales, you are hereby discharged.[9]

The deputy prosecutor clarified:

[PROSECUTOR]: Right. And Iwanted to also make it clear that he is not

seeking a continuance even though Your Honor said you

wouldn't give one, but Iwant to make it clear that he is not

seeking a continuance and he is prepared to go today.

That's the only thing I wanted to clear up.

DEFENDANT: I would just like to file my motions to the court. I'm not

seeking a continuance. Ijust like my paperwork to be

filed to the court.TM

After a recess to secure a venire, Chappelle again raised the issue of his

representation:

DEFENDANT:

THE COURTDEFENDANT:

THE COURT:

DEFENDANT:

9 Id at 17-19.

10 Id. at 20.

Iwould just like to ask at this time of the record, motion

filed for me to have co-counsel, and also I would like for

my jury instructions, ask for motion to find my jury

instructions later, since I don't have them today with me.

If I can file them tomorrow maybe.

Let me suggest, sir, ifyou are pro se that a co-counsel

representation does not exist. You either are represented

by counsel or you are not. And you have unequivocally

told me you wanted to discharge counsel. Itwas not a

good decision. Itold you itwasn't a good decision. But

having co-counsel with yourself is not an arrangement

that's recognized under our court system.

Okay. Well, Ijust like, on the record, that Iwanted to file

a motion.

What's that?

Like to put on the record that Iwould like to file motion for

counsel.
No. 70337-4-1/10

THE COURT: For counsel?

DEFENDANT: Uh-huh.

THE COURT: You have already discharged counsel.

DEFENDANT: Yeah, I wanted to discharge that counsel for ineffective

assistance.

THE COURT: That was not your motion. Your motion was to go pro se.

I allowed that motion. Despite the fact that I told you that

it was not a wise thing to do. You told me unequivocally

you wanted to discharge counsel. Itold you if you

discharge counsel you were pro se, and you would

remain pro se. As I understand it, your attorney has now

gone off to try another case for a different defendant.1111

A supporter of Chappelle's in the courtroom informed the trial court that what he

believed Chappelle wanted was different court-appointed counsel, not to represent

himself. Chappelle said, "Yes; that's correct."12 The trial court explained:

Well, that was not the motion he made. The motion he made .. . was to

go pro se. . . . I explained to him the hazards of going pro se. . . . Iwent

through a long colloquy with him concerning his request to go pro se. I

asked him if he was asking me unequivocally that he wanted to be pro se.

Itold him there would be no standby counsel. He would be by himself.

He acknowledged he understood all that. He allowed his counsel to be

discharged, and his counsel is now offtrying another case.[13]

The trial court began discussing the procedure for jury selection. As the venire entered

the courtroom, Chappelle stated, "So the motion to appoint new counsel, that's the

motion Iwould like to put forth, but I can't put that motion--."14 The trial court did not

respond and jury selection began.

11 Jd at 23-24.

12 Id at 26.

13 ]d at 26-27.

14 Id. at 28.

10
No. 70337-4-1/11

That afternoon, during the direct examination of the State's first witness,

Chappelle claimed he had not seen one of the State's exhibits. The trial court

immediately recessed the trial until the following day. The deputy prosecutor contacted

Gonzales, who reported he had previously provided Chappelle with a redacted copy of

discovery. The deputy prosecutor determined that the only documents Chappelle had

not been previously provided were transcripts of witness interviews. She provided the

King County jail an electronic copy of the witness interviews that evening to give to

Chappelle, and provided Chappelle a hard copy the following morning.

Trial continued on November 14, 2012 with no further requests from Chappelle.

On November 15, 2012, Chappelle again claimed that he was missing discovery

materials, including police reports, medical records and his booking photo. The deputy

prosecutor provided Chappelle with additional copies of the materials he requested.

After four days of testimony, the jury found Chappelle guilty of second degree

assault but rejected the deadly weapon allegation.

Following his conviction, Chappelle requested court-appointed counsel to file a

motion for a new trial. Ramona Brandes of Northwest Defenders Association was

assigned to represent Chappelle. Brandes argued that Chappelle was entitled to a new

trial because he did not knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waive his right to counsel

and because the State did not timely provide him with discovery so that he could

adequately defend himself.

At the hearing on the motion, the State raised the concern that a conflict of

interest existed because Gonzales and Brandes were employed by the same public

11
No. 70337-4-1/12

defense agency and Chappelle had requested to proceed pro se because he did not

believe Gonzales was advocating for him effectively. Brandes asserted there was no

conflict of interest because Chappelle's motion for a new trial was not based on

ineffective assistance of counsel. The trial court asked Chappelle if he was

"comfortable going forward this morning with Ms. Brandes . . . even though I'm now told

that Ms. Brandes and Mr. Gonzales are in the same firm?"15 Chappelle replied that he

was. The trial court asked again, "Ifyou think there's a conflict, let me know. If not, I'm

asking ifyou waive any conflict that there might be with your current counsel."16

Chappelle responded, "I don't have any conflicts."17

Gonzales appeared at the hearing in response to a subpoena issued by the

State. Gonzales told the trial court that he had provided Chappelle a redacted copy of

discovery in September 2012. The deputy prosecutor reiterated that on November 14,

2012, she provided Chappelle with transcripts of all interviews with both State and

defense witnesses, and on November 15, 2012, following a complaint from Chappelle

that he still did not have discovery, she provided him with another full copy of redacted

discovery. Chappelle agreed that he had a redacted copy of discovery at the work

release facility at which he resided prior to trial, but he had not been permitted to take it

with him when he was transferred to the county jail the night before his trial began.

15RP(Apr. 30, 2013) at 5.

16 id at 6.

17 Id.

12
No. 70337-4-1/13

The trial court denied Chappelle's motion. In doing so, the trial court made the

following findings:

1. This court presided over the pretrial motions and trial in this matter.

2. This court engaged in a lengthy colloquy with the defendant. When

the defendant, in the beginning of the colloquy, made an equivocal

request to proceed pro se, the court clarified with the defendant the

exact nature of his request and he subsequently made repeated and

unequivocal requests to proceed pro se.

3. This court advised the defendant, and the defendant was aware, of

the nature of his charges, the standard range and maximum

punishment allowed by law. The defendant was also aware that

standby counsel would not be afforded and a continuance would not

be afforded should the defendant elect to proceed pro se. After such

advisement, the defendant unequivocally repeated his desire to

proceed to trial pro se and waive his right to counsel.

4. Despite the defendant's later requests for counsel and for

continuances, the defendant's request to proceed pro se was

unequivocal and his waiver of the right to counsel was knowingly,

intelligently and voluntarily made.

5. This Court ordered the State to provide discovery to the defendant

and the Court is satisfied the State did so. This Court takes judicial

notice and finds the defendant did, in fact, have discovery materials

in his possession while cross-examining witnesses.1181

Chappelle appeals.

DISCUSSION

Waiver of Right to Counsel

The constitutional right to proceed without counsel is guaranteed to a criminal

defendant by both article I, section 22 of the Washington State Constitution and the

Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution.19 "This right is so fundamental that

18 Clerk's Papers at 291-92.

19 State v. Barker, 35 Wn. App. 388, 391-92, 667 P.2d 108 (1983).

13
No. 70337-4-1/14

it is afforded despite its potentially detrimental impact on both the defendant and the

administration of justice."20 To execute this right, a defendant must affirmatively request

to proceed pro se, and the request must be unequivocal when viewed in the context of

the record as a whole.21 Moreover, because a request to proceed pro se involves the

waiver of the constitutional right to the assistance of counsel, the request must be made

knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently.22

We review the trial court's grant of a motion to proceed pro se for abuse of

discretion.23 A trial court abuses its discretion when its decision is "manifestly

unreasonable" or "'rests on facts unsupported in the record or was reached by applying

the wrong legal standard.'"24

Chappelle claims that he did not knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waive his

right to counsel. He argues that his request to proceed pro se was equivocal because

the record showed he did not want to represent himself but instead wanted different

court-appointed counsel.

We agree with the trial court that Chappelle's initial statements were equivocal.

On October 26, Chappelle asked for different court-appointed counsel. The court

denied Chappelle's request because Chappelle had not articulated any grounds for

20 State v. Madsen, 168 Wn.2d 496, 503, 229 P.3d 714 (2010).

21 State v. Luvene. 127 Wn.2d 690, 698-99, 903 P.2d 960 (1995).

22 Citv of Bellevue v. Acrev, 103 Wn.2d 203, 208-09, 691 P.2d 957 (1984).

23 State v. Breedlove. 79 Wn. App. 101, 106, 900 P.2d 586 (1995).

24 Madsen, 168 Wn.2d at 504 (quoting State v. Rohrich, 149 Wn.2d 647, 654, 71

P.3d 638 (2003)).

14
No. 70337-4-1/15

such a change. On November 13, Chappelle asked to "discharge" counsel and "take

my counsel offthe case."25 When the trial court inquired ifChappelle wanted to proceed

pro se, Chappelle stated that he did not, and expressed his displeasure that the court

on October 26 would not appoint him new counsel.

However, Chappelle persisted in complaining about Gonzales's performance.

When the trial court asked again ifChappelle wanted to discharge Gonzales and

represent himself, Chappelle said he did. The trial court stated that "ifI allow Mr.

Gonzales to be discharged, you will be by yourself through the entire case representing

yourself."26 Chappelle stated that he understood. The trial court explained that

Chappelle would have to abide by all court rulings, and Chappelle agreed. When

Chappelle asked if he could have co-counsel, the court made it very clear that he could

not. "You represent yourself, you are up here, you make all your own decisions. You

have no lawyer."27 The trial court properly informed Chappelle of the charge, the

standard range, the maximum sentence, and the existence of procedural rules. The trial

court concluded, "Finally, is it yourdesire to be without an attorney in this case?"28

Chappelle said yes. The trial court then turned to Gonzales and stated that he would be

discharged "if [Chappelle's] ultimate decision is unequivocal that he intends to represent

himself."29 The trial court once again addressed Chappelle, stating that he did not

25RP(Nov. 13, 2012) at 7, 9.

26 \± at 11.

27 Id at 13.

28 Id at 16.

29 Id. at 18.

15
No. 70337-4-1/16

recommend that Chappelle proceed pro se but that he was required to allow it as long as

Chappelle made the unequivocal decision to do so. The trial court asked Chappelle if

that was his decision. Chappelle responded, "That's my decision."30 We find that this

constituted an unequivocal request to proceed pro se and a knowing, intelligent and

voluntary waiver of the right to counsel. That Chappelle later renewed his requests for

substitution of counsel or co-counsel does not retroactively render his request equivocal.

Relying upon State v. Brittain.31 Chappelle argues that the trial court's failure to

rule on his request for substitution of counsel demonstrates that his waiver was not

knowing, intelligent, or voluntary because he was not made aware that "his only choices

were continuing the trial with his current attorney or continuing the trial pro se."32 But in

Brittain, the defendant specifically conditioned his waiver of the right to counsel on the

outcome of his request for substitution of counsel.33 Chappelle did not. Furthermore,

Chappelle had previously moved for substitution of counsel on October 26, claiming

Gonzales had not contacted witnesses critical to his defense. A different judge denied

Chappelle's request. Chappelle's subsequent request for substitution of counsel was

vague and did not provide the trial court with any legitimate or sufficient grounds.

Chappelle further contends that his waiver was not knowing, intelligent and

voluntary because the trial court did not conduct a sufficient colloquy regarding the

dangers of self-representation. He argues the trial court did not inquire into his level of

30]dat19.

31 38 Wn. App. 740, 689 P.2d 1095 (1984),

32 Reply Br. at 3.

33 Brittain, 38 Wn. App. at 742.

16
No. 70337-4-1/17

education, explain the process for jury selection or making objections, or discuss the

elements of the charged crime. But "there are no steadfast rules for determining

whether a defendant's waiver of the right to assistance of counsel is validly made."34

Rather,

the preferred procedure for determining the validity of a waiver involves

the trial court's colloquy with the defendant, conducted on the record. This

colloquy should include a discussion about the seriousness of the charge,

the possible maximum penalty involved, and the existence of technical

procedural rules governing the presentation ofthe accused's defense.[35]

The record shows that Chappelle was familiar with the charge, including the deadly

weapon allegation, the standard range, and the statutory maximum sentence.

Furthermore, the trial court discussed the rules of evidence and criminal procedure with

Chappelle, going as far to quiz Chappelle on the definition of "hearsay" and the purpose

of a suppression hearing. Finally, the trial court informed Chappelle ofthe difficulty of

proceeding pro se and advised him not to do so. Based on the colloquy, the trial court

did not abuse its discretion in finding that Chappelle knowingly, intelligently, and

voluntarily waived his right to counsel.

Materials to Conduct a Defense

Article I, section 22 of the Washington Constitution "affords a pretrial detainee

who has exercised his constitutional right to represent himself a right of reasonable

access to state-provided resources that will enable him to prepare a meaningful pro se

defense."36 What measures are necessary or appropriate to constitute reasonable

34 State v. Modica, 136 Wn. App. 434, 441, 149 P.3d 446 (2006).

35 Id

36 State v. Silva. 107 Wn. App. 605, 622, 27 P.3d 663 (2001).

17
No. 70337-4-1/18

access lies within the sound discretion of the trial court after consideration of all the

circumstances.37

Chappelle contends that he was denied his constitutional right to present a

defense because he lacked the necessary resources to do so as a pro se litigant.

Specifically, Chappelle contends that he was not provided discovery in a timely fashion,

was not given access to an investigator or a telephone, did not have legal materials

such as copies of the relevant court rules or statutes, and was not appointed standby

counsel.

Chappelle had been provided a redacted copy of discovery in the months prior to

trial. Because he did not have it in his possession at the time he requested to proceed

pro se, the State provided him additional copies of the documents he requested,

including witness interviews, police reports, medical records and his booking photo.

The record shows Chappelle cross-examined all of the State's witnesses and attempted

to impeach many of them with their reports or prior statements. In light of the fact that

Chappelle requested to proceed pro se on the second day of trial and stated he was not

seeking a continuance, Chappelle was provided with reasonable discovery materials

with which to conduct his defense.

Chappelle's remaining claims also lack merit. Though Chappelle argues he was

denied the services of an investigator, "[t]here is no authority holding that the right of

self-representation embodies a right to have an investigator assigned to the

37 Id. at 622-23.

18
No. 70337-4-1/19

defendant."38 Furthermore, Chappelle does not explain how his defense was impacted

by the lack of a telephone. Despite his incarceration, Chappelle was able to schedule a

witness to testify on his behalf. And though Chappelle asserts he had no opportunity to

locate any other witnesses, the record is devoid of evidence that other such witnesses

existed. Chappelle's claim that he was not provided with any legal materials is similarly

unsupported by the record.

Finally, Chappelle contends the trial court erred by not appointing standby

counsel to assist him. But there is no absolute right for a pro se defendant to have

standby counsel.39 We review a trial court's refusal to appoint standby counsel for

abuse of discretion.40 Chappelle fails to explain how the trial court abused its discretion

in this regard.

Conflict ofInterest

The Sixth Amendment guarantees a criminal defendant the right to effective

assistance of counsel which is free from any conflict of interest.41 But to establish that a

conflict of interest deprived him or her of effective assistance of counsel, a defendant

must show that an actual conflict adversely affected the attorney's performance in some

way.42 "'[A] mere theoretical division of loyalties'" is insufficient.43 This court reviews de

novo whether circumstances demonstrate a conflict of interest.44

38 ]d at 624.

39 State v. DeWeese, 117 Wn.2d 369, 379, 816 P.2d 1 (1991).

40 Locks v. Sumner, 703 F.2d 403, 407-08 (9th Cir.1983).

41 Wood v. Georgia, 450 U.S. 261. 271, 101 S. Ct. 1097, 67 L. Ed. 2d 220 (1981);

State v. Davis, 141 Wn.2d 798, 860, 10 P.3d 977 (2000).

42 State v. Dhaliwal, 150 Wn.2d 559, 571, 79 P.3d 432 (2003).

19
No. 70337-4-1/20

Chappelle argues that Gonzales was constitutionally ineffective for failing to

provide him with discovery materials when he was discharged. He argues that,

because Brandes worked in the same public defense agency as Gonzales, she had a

conflict of interest because the relationship prevented her from revealing Mr. Gonzales'

ethical violation or using it as the basis for a new trial.

Chappelle does not show that the alleged conflict affected Brandes' performance.

Chappelle's claim that Gonzales was constitutionally ineffective is premised on Rule of

Professional Conduct 1.16(d), which requires an attorney, upon termination of

representation, to turn over "papers and property to which the client is entitled." But to

satisfy the test for ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must demonstrate both

(1) that his attorney's representation was deficient, i.e., that it fell below an objective

standard of reasonableness, and (2) resulting prejudice, i.e., a reasonable probability

that, but for counsel's deficient performance, the result of the proceeding would have

been different.45 Even ifGonzales was ethically bound to provide Chappelle with his

client file when the trial court discharged him as counsel, without a showing of prejudice,

this failure does not constitute ineffective assistance of counsel.46 Because Chappelle

does not demonstrate that the outcome of the proceeding would have been different

43 Id. at 570 (quoting Mickens v. Taylor, 535 U.S. 162, 171, 122 S. Ct. 1237, 152

L. Ed. 2d 291 (2002)).

44 State v. Vicuna. 119 Wn. App. 26, 30-31, 79 P.3d 1 (2003).

45 State v. McFarland, 127 Wn.2d 322, 334-35, 899 P.2d 1251 (1995).

46 See In re Pers. Restraint of Gomez, 180 Wn.2d 337, 349, 325 P.3d 142(2014)

("the RPCs do not 'embody the constitutional standard for effective assistance of

counsel'") (quoting State v. White, 80 Wn. App. 406, 412-13, 907 P.2d 310 (1995)).

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No. 70337-4-1/21

had he been provided with his client file at the time Gonzales left the courtroom,

Gonzales was not constitutionally ineffective. Because Gonzales was not ineffective,

we cannot infer, as Chappelle urges us to do, that Brandes failed to claim ineffective

assistance as a basis for a new trial because of her working relationship with Gonzales.

Statement ofAdditional Grounds

In a pro se statement of additional grounds, Chappelle contends that the trial

court violated his constitutional right to counsel of his choice when it denied his request

to substitute Gonzales with retained counsel. Where a defendant retains counsel, the

Sixth Amendment encompasses the right to counsel of his or her choice.47 But the right

to retain counsel of choice is not unlimited. In considering a motion to substitute

retained counsel, "the trial court must weigh the defendant's right to choose his counsel

against the public's interest in the prompt and efficient administration of justice."48 One

factor the trial court must consider is whether available counsel is prepared to go to

trial.49 We review a trial court's decision regarding a defendant's motion to substitute

retained counsel for abuse of discretion.50

Chappelle requested to substitute Gonzales with retained counsel on the second

day of trial. Though Chappelle asserted there were attorneys willing to take him as a

client, he did not identify any by name nor inform the trial court of their availability. In

47 United States v. Gonzalez-Lopez, 548 U.S. 140, 148, 126 S. Ct. 2557, 165 L.

Ed. 2d 409 (2006).

48 State v. Aquirre, 168 Wn.2d 350, 365, 229 P.3d 669 (2010).

49 State v. Hampton, No. 69601-7-1, slip. op. at 12-13 (Aug. 11, 2014); State v.

Price, 126 Wn. App. 617, 632, 109 P.3d 27 (2005).

50 Price. 126 Wn. App. at 632.

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No. 70337-4-1/22

light of these facts, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying Chappelle's

request to substitute retained counsel.51

Affirmed.

WE CONCUR:

^ ^tQjl/iViR f,<

51 Chappelle's remaining claims are adequately addressed in his appellate

counsel's brief.

22