Opinion ID: 2602185
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The October 29, 1997, arraignment in superior court

Text: At defendant's arraignment on October 29, 1997, held before Judge Kamins acting in his capacity as a superior court judge, the court invited defendant to enter a plea, to which defendant responded with a challenge to the proceedings, on the ground that the court doesn't have jurisdiction. The court thereafter entered a plea of not guilty on defendant's behalf, set a trial date, and observed: I would state that even though you are representing yourself and represent that you have handicaps that slow you up, you're one of the ... most naturally bright defendants that's been in front of me in many, many years. [¶] So, in spite of whatever handicaps you feel you have, your ability to address the court, write papers, argue your own motions, say the right things is good. [If] And I would say that nothing is slowing you up from your ability to handle your own case. In fact, you're probably better than a lot of lawyers I've seen. The court did not provide any further advisement to defendant at that time regarding his right to counsel, nor did the court seek to obtain a new waiver of that right.