Opinion ID: 1158794
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: the proper disposition of this case.

Text: Having determined that the defendant was unconstitutionally denied a fair hearing on his objections to counsel, we now turn to consideration of the proper disposition of this case. We do not believe that the error below automatically requires a new trial. The defendant complains that he was denied a hearing on his objections, and we hold that he must be given one. The outcome of such hearing should determine whether the further remedy of a new trial is necessary. This procedure was adopted by the Supreme Court in Jackson v. Denno, 378 U.S. 368, 84 S.Ct. 1774, 12 L.Ed.2d 908 (1964), in a case involving the denial of a judicial hearing on the voluntariness of a confession. The present situation is analogous. We believe the most satisfactory disposition of this case will be achieved by following the procedures set forth by the Supreme Court in Jackson, supra at 394, 84 S.Ct. at 1790. [I]f at the conclusion of such an evidentiary hearing in the state court on the coercion issue, it is determined that Jackson's confession was voluntarily given, admissible in evidence, and properly to be considered by the jury, we see no constitutional necessity at that point for proceeding with a new trial, for Jackson has already been tried by a jury with the confession placed before it and has been found guilty.    Of course, if the state court, at an evidentiary hearing, redetermines the facts and decides that Jackson's confession was involuntary, there must be a new trial on guilt or innocence without the confession's being admitted in evidence. [5] The defendant is constitutionally entitled to a hearing on his objections to appointed counsel. We remand the case to the circuit court for an investigation, to be put on the record, of the defendant's claim of ineffective representation. If the claim proves to be without merit that court may re-enter the judgment. If the claim is meritorious there should be a new trial. Remanded for additional proceedings consistent with this opinion.