Opinion ID: 848704
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: the right to counsel under michigan law

Text: The right of self-representation under Michigan law is secured by Const 1963, art 1, § 13 [8] and by statute, MCL 763.1. [9] In Anderson, supra at 367-368, 247 N.W.2d 857, this Court held that a trial court must make three findings before granting a defendant's waiver request. First, the waiver request must be unequivocal. Second, the trial court must be satisfied that the waiver is knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily made. To this end, the trial court should inform the defendant of potential risks. Third, the trial court must be satisfied that the defendant will not disrupt, unduly inconvenience, and burden the court or the administration of court business. Consistent with Anderson, MCR 6.005(D)(1) governs procedures concerning a defendant's waiver of the right to an attorney. It prohibits a court from granting a defendant's waiver request without first advising the defendant of the charge, the maximum possible prison sentence for the offense, any mandatory minimum sentence required by law, and the risk involved in self-representation.... [MCR 6.005(D)(1).].