Opinion ID: 2633564
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: pedockie's case

Text: ¶ 46 We now turn to the particular facts of this case. This case is a prime example of the confusion and inconsistency that can permeate proceedings in the absence of an explicit warning and colloquy regarding the right to counsel. In the face of such confusion, we cannot find a voluntary, knowing, or intelligent waiver of Pedockie's right to counsel. ¶ 47 First, we conclude that Pedockie did not voluntarily waive his right to counsel through his conduct. While the trial judge repeatedly chastised Pedockie for his past unwillingness to follow counsel's advice, his statements with respect to Pedockie's right to appointed counsel were inconsistent and confusing. ¶ 48 For example, when Retallick moved to withdraw, the trial judge warned Pedockie that he would need to either accept Retallick's advice, represent himself, or get his own attorney. But after Pedockie fired Retallick, the trial judge ordered a continuance, stating that you're entitled to have an attorney represent you, and, obviously, Mr. Brass. . . hasn't had enough time to get ready. ¶ 49 When Brass withdrew, the trial judge continued to scold Pedockie for prior delays and maintain that Pedockie would need to hire a private attorney or proceed pro se. Nevertheless, at the July 31 hearing, the trial judge agreed to appoint the public defender's office for the third time and gave every indication that the PDA attorney would act as primary, rather than standby, counsel. Pedockie relied on this statement when he failed to retain private counsel and appeared at the August 13 hearing expecting representation by the PDA. He was thus understandably confused when the judge insisted that the PDA attorney's role was limited to that of standby counsel. It is particularly troubling that, after agreeing to appoint counsel on July 31, the trial judge never warned Pedockie of the conduct that would give rise to an implied waiver of his right to appointed counsel but nevertheless imposed such a waiver sometime between the July 31 and August 13 hearings when Pedockie does not appear to have engaged in any objectionable conduct. Because any uncertainty over an alleged waiver of the right to counsel must be resolved in favor of an accused, we are unable to find a voluntary waiver under these circumstances. ¶ 50 Finally, even if Pedockie had voluntarily waived his right to counsel, our de novo review of the record fails to establish that any implied waiver was knowing and intelligent. There is nothing in the record to indicate that, at the time of the alleged waiver, Pedockie appreciated the consequences of the decision to represent himself, including the expectation that [he would need to] comply with technical rules and the recognition that presenting a defense is not just a matter of telling one's story. [54] ¶ 51 Although the record does contain evidence that Pedockie wanted his case to be tried by an attorney because he knew nothing about the law and was not familiar with the rules of the court, such general knowledge does not necessarily evidence an understanding of the technical requirements inherent in presenting one's case. While Pedockie arguably obtained some understanding of these technical requirements during the course of the proceedings, the record is devoid of evidence that Pedockie understood these requirements prior to the time of the alleged waiver. For instance, Pedockie was informed of the technical rules of the court when the judge appointed standby counsel and explained that standby counsel could help prepare jury instructions and cross-examine and subpoena witnesses for trial but would not argue Pedockie's motions. By this point, however, the trial judge had already ruled that Pedockie was not entitled to appointment of primary counsel. Therefore, any knowledge that Pedockie may have had regarding the dangers and disadvantages of self-representation was too little, too late.