Opinion ID: 1840075
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Are Richards pro se arguments meritorious?

Text: Richards' last two arguments were raised in his pro se supplemental brief to this court. He alleges that he suffered prejudice because a trial transcript was not available to him during his preparation of a supplemental pro se brief. Also, he contends that the trial court answered questions submitted by the jury without bringing Richards into the courtroom. The latter contention is meritless and we reject it as such. Richards alleges that the trial court telephoned him in jail during the evening of the jury's first day of deliberations to inform him that the jury had submitted two questions. Richards further alleges that the judge answered these questions to the jury outside of Richards' presence, in violation of Richards' right to be present. See State v. Bowles, 530 N.W.2d 521, 535 n. 20 (Minn.1995). Richards offers no affidavits or other support to bolster these allegations and there is nothing in the record substantiating this claim. Richards' contention that he was entitled to a trial transcript to effect his appeal presents a colorable issue. An indigent defendant in Minnesota may elect to perfect his appeal pro se or to have the State Public Defender represent him on appeal. Minn. R.Crim.P. 28.02, subd. 5 (1-5, 12-14). If a defendant chooses to proceed pro se, the public defender must first file a brief on defendant's behalf. Then, the defendant may elect to proceed pro se or to file a supplementary brief. Minn.R.Crim.P. 28.02, subd. 5(12), (16). A pro se defendant perfecting an appeal may request a transcript and, after consultation with the public defender concerning the need for the transcript, be provided with one temporarily. Id. at subd. 5(17). The transcript must be returned to the public defender upon expiration of time for filing of any supplemental brief. Id. at subd. 5(18 and 19). Richards complains that he was not provided with a transcript and therefore his ability to file a supplemental brief was compromised. The state contends that by electing to have the public defender represent him on appeal, Richards has forfeited his right to have a transcript delivered to him. The public defender agrees with the defendant, that he had a right to review a transcript. The rules of criminal procedure allow a defendant the opportunity to file a supplemental brief. Id. at 5(12). If a defendant chooses to do so, he must confer with the public defender regarding his need for a transcript. Id. at 5(17). If he still wants access to a transcript, the public defender's office will provide its copy for the defendant's use. Id. at subd. 5(18, 19). Thus, Richards should have been provided with a transcript, but he was not entitled to have a separate transcript delivered to him. The rule clearly states that he is entitled to use the copy belonging to the public defender and must confer with the public defender for use of that copy. Id. at 5(19). Richards did not do so. Nevertheless, Richards was able to file a supplemental brief and does not seem to have been prejudiced by the lack of the transcript. His recollection of the trial and of incidental matters was accurate. Affirmed. ANDERSON, J., took no part in the consideration or decision of this case.