Document: 358 U.S. 633 79 S.Ct. 432 3 L.Ed.2d 557 Ray CASH, Petitioner,v.R. O. CULVER, State Prison Custodian. No. 91. Argued Jan. 22, 1959. Decided Feb. 24, Mr. Irwin L. Langbein, West Palm Beach, Fla., for petitioner. Edward S. Jaffry, Miami, pro hac vice, by special leave of Court, respondent. Justice STEWART delivered the opinion Court. 1 The petitioner is serving a 15-year prison sentence imposed Florida court after conviction jury burglary.1 He was not represented counsel at trial. No appeal taken, and Supreme Court denied without hearing petition habeas corpus which he later filed.2 Certiorari granted to determine whether circumstances alleged in make this case where denial counsel's assistance trial operated deprive defendant due process law guaranteed Fourteenth Amendment. 357 904, 78 1153, 2 1155. For reasons be stated, we hold that such case. record here consists only Court's bare order denial. With posture, factual allegations must present purposes accepted as true. Hawk v. Olson, 326 271, 273, 66 116, 117, 90 L.Ed. 61. Composed penitentiary, petition, like many documents, heavily larded with irrelevant innuendos, unsupported conclusions, pretentious legalisms. Within its confines, however, are found chain events now relate. On December 6, 1954, petitioner, an uneducated farm boy 20, first tried on burglary charge. At experienced his own choice. conclusion evidence, unable agree verdict, mistrial resulted. 4 then immediately placed solitary confinement, remained awaiting retrial. learned evening February 1955, new take place next day. Only few days earlier had through official former lawyer withdrawn from petitioner's mother behalf engage number other lawyers represent him, but they all refused, telling her fee she could offer inadequate, time preparation too short. 5 opening second asked continuance give him employ lawyer, or alternative appoint him. In making these requests called judge's attention youth, lack education courtroom experience, sudden withdrawal prior counsel.3 were denied, proceeded once, left conduct defense.4 6 His co-defendant, Allen, accomplice, pleaded guilty testified State. Allen among things, company two others burglarized stores, stolen truck, engaged running gun battle police. further (Allen) 'pulled $180,000 robbery' New Orleans older brothers, taken no part, one brothers also participated crime Physical evidence introduced, including revolver store charged burglarizing, been Allen's possession. except testimony connected It clear what, if any, objections made testimony, cross-examined.5 7 conviction, offender, sentenced term serving. ex-convict, 10 years, probation. charges brought against brother fourth person named participant convicted. 8 17 years have passed since decision Betts Brady, 316 455, 62 1252, 86 1595, traditional inclusion exclusion has, series decisions, indicated factors may render state criminal proceedings so apt result injustice violate Amendment.6 clearly it where, under federal organic required unnecessary explore outer limits constitutional protection area. 9 'Where gravity factors—such age defendant, prosecuting officials, complicated nature offense possible defenses thereto—render fundamentally unfair,' Constitution requires accused legal Uveges Commonwealth Pennsylvania, 335 437, 441, 69 184, 186, 93 127. Of particular relevance decisions held appointment necessary fair because complexity proceedings. Rice 324 786, 65 989, 89 1367; Gibbs Burke, 337 773, 1247, 1686; see Williams Kaiser, 323 471, 475—476, 363, 366, 398. All stood between verdict acquittal Allen—an admitted accomplice. Although does require corroboration accomplice's sustain Land State, 59 So.2d 370, has right demand judge instruct 'evidence accomplice should received great caution.' Varnum 137 Fla. 438, 449, 188 So. 346, 351. establish cross-examine witness testifying agreement leniency, even believes will best interest. Leavine 109 447, 147 897; Henderson 135 548, 555, 185 625, 627, 120 A.L.R. 742 (concurring opinion). A layman would hardly familiar rights. 11 Moreover, concerning commission crimes brother, who allegedly subject trial, inadmissible entirety, certainly raised serious questions law. As recently noted, 'There literally thousands cases country discussing admission evidence.' Padgett 53 106, 108. problems thus beyond ken layman, kind seriously damage eyes jury. Finally, transcript previous offered opportunities impeachment prosecution witnesses, cannot assume aware.7 12 reasons, requirements there way test their truth. But themselves incumbent upon courts what true facts were.8 13 Reversed. noncapital Florida, punishable maximum 20 years. Fla.Stat.1955, § 810.01, F.S.A. originally filed accordance procedure explained Sneed Mayo, 865, 874. point follows: 'Petitioner capable representing himself, never heard same charge, Carr, did know how defense, told closely confined Raiford, up until night before, therefore opportunity counsel, permitted chosen abandon face absolute necessity grant continuance, or, alternative, remedy situation appointing petitioner.' Under duty provide indigent capital offense. 865; Johnson 158 264, 28 585; Fla.Stat., 909.21, incorporates, excerpts newspaper account form pleading Attorney General makes objection An excerpt reads 'While inquiring Judge Cash appeared unsure himself. several occasions start sentence, stop rephrase another subject. Before hand attract Judge, halting manner statement.' See Canizio People York, 327 82, 452, 545; De Meerleer Michigan, 329 663, 67 596, 91 584; Foster Illinois, 332 134, 1716, 1955; Gayes 145, 1711, 1962; Bute 333 640, 68 763, 92 986; Wade 334 672, 1270, 1647; Gryger 728, 1256, 1683; Townsend 736, 1690; 127; Quicksall 339 660, 70 910, 94 1188; Palmer Ashe, 342 72 191, 96 154; Massey Moore, 348 105, 75 99 135; Pennsylvania ex rel. Herman Claudy, 350 76 223, 100 126; Moore 355 155, 167. very fact failed convict when least some practical indication difference lawyer's help might made. Counsel advised us can available reporter.

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