Opinion ID: 217701
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Trial Date Continued

Text: A federal grand jury indicted Maggert on four counts of attempt to evade and defeat the federal income tax for the years 2002 through 2005. At his September 28, 2009 initial appearance, Maggert stated he planned to obtain counsel. When Maggert appeared without counsel at his October 16, 2009 arraignment, the district court gave Maggert two more weeks to find counsel. At an October 30, 2009 hearing, Maggert still had not obtained counsel and indicated he wished to represent himself. The district court gave Maggert appropriate warnings about his decision and found that Maggert’s decision to proceed pro se was knowing and voluntary. The district court appointed standby counsel that same day. The district court originally set trial for January 11, 2010, but granted Maggert a 60-day continuance to hire counsel and prepare a defense. The district court reset trial for March 15, 2010. The district court warned Maggert that: (1) the trial date was firm, (2) no additional continuances would be granted and (3) if 5 Maggert was unable to obtain counsel, he would be expected to proceed pro se on that date with the aid of standby counsel. On March 15, 2010, Maggert failed to appear at trial. Standby counsel advised the court she had no contact with Maggert prior to trial. With the jury panel standing by, the district court issued a warrant for Maggert’s arrest and recessed while the U.S. Marshal Service located Maggert that day.