Opinion ID: 1374477
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: trial court's role

Text: Having determined the appropriate standard for waiver of counsel, we next consider if the trial court correctly applied the standard when it granted Hahn's request to represent himself. The Court of Appeals decision cites several cases from other jurisdictions which found that defendants did not make knowing and intelligent waivers of counsel. [7] Hahn, at 882-83. These cases are distinguishable as involving factors other than mental illness alone. United States ex rel. Martinez v. Thomas, 526 F.2d 750, 755-56 (2d Cir.1975) (denial of a continuance to find a new attorney); State v. Doss, 116 Ariz. 156, 159-60, 568 P.2d 1054 (1977) (emotional disturbance too great to allow a knowing waiver; psychiatric testimony); People v. Salas, 77 Cal. App.3d 600, 604-05, 143 Cal. Rptr. 755 (1978) (lack of the mental capacity to make an intelligent waiver; psychiatric testimony); State v. Bauer, 310 Minn. 103, 105-06, 123-24, 245 N.W.2d 848 (1976) (lack of an inquiry into the waiver coupled with defendant's paranoid distrust of counsel; psychological and psychiatric testimony on competency to stand trial). Hahn argues that he did not knowingly and intelligently waive his right to counsel, invoking the classic formulation that a waiver of a constitutional right must be an intentional relinquishment or abandonment of a known right or privilege and that courts indulge every reasonable presumption against waiver. Johnson v. Zerbst, 304 U.S. 458, 464, 82 L.Ed. 1461, 58 S.Ct. 1019, 146 A.L.R. 357 (1938). The State responds that the trial court's examination of Hahn was so extensive that the record could have been enhanced only by expert testimony. The Court of Appeals did suggest further psychiatric or psychological testimony. Hahn, 41 Wn. App. at 884 n. 3; contra, People v. Zatko, 80 Cal. App.3d 534, 541, 145 Cal. Rptr. 643 (1978). We decline this suggestion. The State also noted that Hahn filed a written affidavit with the court expressing reasons why he wished to represent himself and then confirmed it orally in open court. Lengthy colloquies were held with Hahn by two trial judges on three separate occasions prior to trial. At the pretrial hearing on May 31, 1983, when an insanity defense was interposed over Hahn's objection, Judge Mattson examined Hahn in detail concerning his affidavit requesting that he be allowed to represent himself. The court explored Hahn's legal experience and his understanding of the maximum possible penalties, possible defenses, that technical rules apply in court, and the disadvantages that he might face with the jury. The trial court made specific findings that Hahn understood these matters. The court also appointed counsel as a research assistant and backup counsel. Judge Mattson's textbook examination of Hahn is reprinted here to provide an example for the trial bench. [8] , [9] Another pretrial hearing on June 14, 1983 was held after the opinion was filed in State v. Jones, 99 Wn.2d 735, 664 P.2d 1216 (1983). In that hearing the court imposed insanity plea was withdrawn. Judge Mattson again examined Hahn about his desire to represent himself. The judge stated he was satisfied that in the earlier colloquy the standards articulated in Jones had been met but also inquired further of Hahn. He asked Hahn about his belief that he was a secret agent. The court pointed out to him that a jury would probably find his story difficult to believe, especially if he was not represented by counsel. [10] The court admonished Hahn that it wanted to make sure ... that you understand you're giving up the kind of potential disposition of your case through a finding of insanity that would keep you out of prison. The court again found that Hahn understood the position in which he was placing himself. Before the trial started on June 20, 1983, trial judge Horton Smith inquired of Hahn about his education, background, former employment, and understanding that technical rules apply in court. He urged Hahn to consider representation by counsel. [11] [3] Whether there has been an intelligent waiver of counsel is an ad hoc determination which depends upon the particular facts and circumstances of the case, including the background, experience and conduct of the accused. Johnson v. Zerbst, 304 U.S. 458, 464, 82 L.Ed. 1461, 58 S.Ct. 1019, 146 A.L.R. 357 (1938). This determination is within the discretion of the trial court. State v. Kolocotronis, 73 Wn.2d 92, 102, 436 P.2d 774 (1968). The burden of proof is on the defendant asserting that his right to counsel was not competently and intelligently waived. In re Wilken v. Squier, 50 Wn.2d 58, 61, 309 P.2d 746 (1957); State v. Jessing, 44 Wn.2d 458, 461, 268 P.2d 639 (1954) (both citing Johnson v. Zerbst, supra at 468 (habeas corpus proceeding)). The record in this case presents an example of a thorough inquiry by the trial judges into Hahn's understanding of the consequences of waiving counsel and establishes that Hahn validly waived his right to counsel. Hahn was fully informed of the alternatives available, comprehended the consequences of representing himself, and freely chose to proceed. See Jones, at 745. If the trial court had denied Hahn's request, it would have been subject to reversal under the Faretta standards. The decision of the Court of Appeals is reversed and Hahn's conviction affirmed. DOLLIVER, C.J., and UTTER, BRACHTENBACH, DORE, PEARSON, ANDERSEN, CALLOW, and GOODLOE, JJ., concur.