Opinion ID: 2135732
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: issues

Text: Whether Weiker was denied effective assistance of counsel when the trial court refused to appoint another attorney to represent him at a conflict-of-interest hearing. Weiker argues that he was denied effective assistance of counsel when the trial court refused to appoint another attorney to represent him at a conflict-of-interest hearing. Weiker's argument does not explain the conflict of interest. A review of the record discloses that prior to the 1982 trial Weiker claimed a conflict of interest arose between him and his court-appointed attorney when Weiker refused to eat in protest of the conditions at the Pennington County Jail. Apparently, this alleged conflict arose because Weiker's court-appointed attorney said he would withdraw as counsel if Weiker did not end the hunger strike before becoming sick. [3] Weiker then contacted friends in an attempt to hire another attorney. At a scheduled conflict proceeding, the trial court advised Weiker that he could represent himself, hire another attorney, or proceed with his court-appointed attorney's representation. Weiker chose to proceed with his court-appointed attorney's representation during the remainder of the trial proceedings. To justify a change in counsel, [Weiker] had to show `good cause.' State v. Fender, 504 N.W.2d 858, 859 (S.D.1993). A trial court's denial of a request for a change of counsel will not be reversed unless there was an abuse of discretion. Id. We find no abuse of discretion in this case and agree with the habeas court's ruling: [4] [T]here is no significant conflict that appears in the record between counsel and his client. Nor is there a functional purpose under those circumstances to appoint counsel to represent a defendant who is raising a conflict barring unique circumstances. The trial judge fully advised Mr. Weiker of his rights, thus he was not deprived of adequate representation. The order denying habeas corpus relief is affirmed. MILLER, C.J., and HENDERSON and WUEST, JJ., concur. SABERS, J., concurs specially.