Opinion ID: 1940368
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: inquiry at durocher hearing

Text: At the June 6, 2003, Durocher hearing, the circuit court informed Alston that his three options were to allow his CCRC-M counsel to proceed in his postconviction proceedings, to discharge his CCRC-M counsel and proceed pro se, or to both discharge his CCRC-M counsel and waive his right to postconviction relief. Alston indicated that he chose the third option and stated that he understood that the result of waiving his rights to postconviction counsel and relief would be reviewed by this Court, followed by receipt of his case by the Governor for the signing of a death warrant. The circuit court conducted a Faretta [3] inquiry and allowed counsel to inquire of Alston. Alston indicated that he understood that waiver of his right to postconviction relief would bar the filing of further pro se petitions. Although he expressed frustration at the lack of progress in his postconviction proceedings and indicated that he believed time limitations prevented him from going forward with them, he was informed during the hearing that time limitations very likely would not prevent him from going forward, with or without counsel, now that he had been found competent. Alston nonetheless insisted that he did not wish to proceed. Later in the hearing, Alston stated that undercover agents tracked him and his mail while he was in prison and that that activity related to the murder of a police detective. Alston suggested the delay in his own case was a result of that criminal investigation. CCRC-M counsel then expressed continued concern regarding Alston's competency. The circuit court indicated gratitude for the continued advocacy by CCRC-M counsel but found Alston had knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived his rights to postconviction counsel and relief.