Opinion ID: 1979395
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Technical Problems Associated with Self-Representation

Text: At the October 16, 2000 hearing, the trial court did not question defendant about or inform him of the technical problems associated with self-representation. However, at the October 2, 2000 hearing, the trial court discussed some of the problems of self-representation, including the negative perceptions the jurors might form of defendant. Defendant responded that he understood those issues because he had been spending time in the law library and asked the court to order that he be allowed to spend more time in the library. Further, the record reflects that defense counsel interrupted defendant to remind him of his Fifth Amendment rights. We are satisfied that the colloquy at the two hearings met the second Crisafi requirement. Although the trial court should have elaborated more on the technical problems associated with self-representation, standby counsel also informed defendant of his Fifth Amendment rights and was available to assist defendant at all times.