Opinion ID: 171731
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Faretta Hearing

Text: Having determined that Mr. DeShazer was competent to stand trial, the court held two hearings in September 2006 concerning his request to represent himself pursuant to Faretta. The court repeatedly and vehemently urged Mr. DeShazer that he should proceed with counsel. The court added that due to the overwhelming evidence against him, the only plausible defense was likely insanity, and that he needed counsel's assistance to present that defense. The court additionally questioned the wisdom of Mr. DeShazer's professed trial strategy. The court warned him that he would likely anger the jury and suggested that even if the victim testified in the way that he hoped, such testimony would not acquit him. Despite the district court's repeated admonitions, Mr. DeShazer unequivocally affirmed his desire to represent himself. After determining he knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to counsel, the court granted the motion to proceed pro se and appointed his counsel as standby counsel. The matter went to trial in November 2006, and the jury returned guilty verdicts on both counts. The court sentenced Mr. DeShazer to 480 months' imprisonment. On appeal, [1] counsel for Mr. DeShazer argues that (1) the district court erroneously found him competent to stand trial; (2) he was not competent to waive his right to an attorney and represent himself; and (3) he was denied treatment during the pendency of his case, which he contends violates the principles set forth in Jackson.