Opinion ID: 1188889
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Defendant was adequately warned

Text: Defendant next contends that the judge should have warned him that his planned defense was incompatible with self-representation. Defendant argues that jurors simply will not believe that a person competent enough to conduct a trial could have been so insane only a short time earlier as to avoid criminal responsibility. Thus, Defendant asserts, his waiver was not intelligent because the court did not inform him of this danger, and his waiver was therefore invalid. We disagree. In this case the trial court conducted an inquiry sufficient to ensure that Defendant understood the dangers and disadvantages of self-representation. The judge adequately warned Defendant of the charges against him and the possible penalties. The judge also warned of several specific problems Defendant would likely face, including difficulties in investigating the case and the necessity to follow expected courtroom procedure. In addition, the judge warned, I will tell you, I don't think it's advisable that you represent yourself in light of the serious penalties and charges that face you. Moreover, the court, at Defendant's request, provided Defendant with advisory counsel, who was available to advise Defendant regarding strategic considerations such as whether a jury was more or less likely to believe him if he represented himself. That attorney, who had previously been Defendant's counsel of record, told the court he had strongly advised Defendant not to undertake self-representation because it was simply the wrong choice to make. The judge questioned Defendant to ensure that he had heard those warnings as well. Although a court should warn of the dangers and disadvantages generally inherent in self-representation, Faretta, 422 U.S. at 835, 95 S.Ct. at 2541, it is not reversible error to fail to warn of every possible strategic consideration. Cf. Green, 470 N.W.2d at 744 (formalistic warning is not required). In this case the court's warnings were numerous and broad enough to put Defendant on notice that self-representation was not advisable. Moreover, the court's appointment of advisory counsel ensured that Defendant had access to advice about precisely the kind of concern of which Defendant now complains. Finally, Defendant's basic strategic and pragmatic concern  convincing the jury that he was insane at the time of the crime even though he appeared sane at the time of the trial  exists in every claim of temporary insanity, regardless of whether a defendant has counsel. There was no error.