Opinion ID: 182826
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: substituting counsel

Text: Lindsey contends that the district court abused its discretion in denying his request for new appointed counsel, which was made by motion after Lindsey's counsel had already begun his investigation and representation in the case. We review a district court's decision to deny a substitution motion for abuse of discretion. United States v. Prime, 431 F.3d 1147, 1154 (9th Cir.2005). When reviewing a district court's denial of a substitution motion, we consider three elements: (1) the timeliness of the motion; (2) the adequacy of the district court's inquiry into the defendant's complaint; and (3) whether the asserted conflict was so great as to result in a complete breakdown in communication and a consequent inability to present a defense. Id. (citing United States v. Castro, 972 F.2d 1107, 1109 (9th Cir.1992)). The second and third factors favor affirming the district court's decision. The district court engaged in a detailed inquiry into the problem. The judge had a closed hearing on the matter to speak with both Lindsey and his counsel. He allowed the attorney to speak about any conflicts with his client, and then patiently and exhaustively spoke to Lindsey about the specific problems with the representation he was receiving. United States v. Smith, 282 F.3d 758, 763 (9th Cir.2002). Under our precedent, the district court conducted a sufficient inquiry into the problems between Lindsey and his counsel. See Prime, 431 F.3d at 1155-56; Smith, 282 F.3d at 763-64. The judge also properly exercised his discretion on the third factor. Although Lindsey and his attorney both testified that they had difficulty communicating, nothing suggested a serious breach of trust or significant breakdown in communication that substantially interfered with the attorney-client relationship. United States v. Adelzo-Gonzalez, 268 F.3d 772, 779 (9th Cir.2001). Instead, Lindsey displayed a general dissatisfaction with his situation and also appeared to be upset by inquiries that any competent lawyer would undertake, such as questions as to Lindsey's whereabouts on the day of the robbery. We hold that the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Lindsey's motion to substitute counsel.