Opinion ID: 2975226
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: the timeliness of the motion,

Text: (2) the adequacy of the court’s inquiry into the matter, (3) the extent of the conflict between the attorney and client and whether it was so great that it resulted in a total lack of communication preventing an adequate defense, and (4) the balancing of these factors with the public’s interest in the prompt and efficient administration of justice. - 13 - No. 06-3027 U.S.A. v. Nelson Id. (quoting United States v. Mack, 258 F.3d 548, 556 (6th Cir. 2001)). In the instant case, Nelson never unequivocally asked the district court to appoint a new attorney; he merely expressed dissatisfaction with his attorney’s performance. Furthermore, Nelson’s complaints were not timely; he expressed them for the first time at his sentencing hearing. The district court made an adequate inquiry into the matter; Nelson was allowed to make statements spanning nine pages in the transcript. Nelson’s attorney explained that there was neither a conflict nor a lack of communication between them, and that Nelson’s frustration was due to his stroke and the difference in procedural rules between state and federal court. Nelson did not object to this characterization of his statements. The district court stated that Nelson’s attorney conducted himself professionally and “represented [Nelson] in a more than stellar manner during this whole trial.” JA at 138. Under these facts, the district court did not abuse its discretion in failing to appoint new counsel for Nelson, or in not holding further hearings on the matter.