Court Opinion

ID: 9750354
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-28 14:53:37.187294+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:26:08.342352
License: Public Domain

CORNELL, J., Concurring.
I agree completely with the opinion of my colleagues. I write separately to suggest steps a trial judge could consider when faced with the difficult circumstances presented by a propria persona defendant in a felony case.
First, appoint standby counsel, not cocounsel or advisory counsel. The appointment should be made at the time propria persona status is granted. Standby counsel should be prepared to substitute in at any time. This means that standby counsel should receive all discovery and attend all hearings. Having standby counsel allows the trial judge to control a disruptive defendant by terminating his or her propria persona status and continuing with the hearing or trial. This suggestion may be resisted as too expensive. But, for example, had it been done here, the time and expense of a new trial may have been avoided.
*236Second, do not shackle a propria persona defendant. At the time propria persona status is granted, the trial judge should explain to the defendant the conduct expected in the courtroom. This could include admonitions about interrupting or acting out. The defendant should be told that his or her right to self-representation could be forfeited by disruptive conduct. Also, tell the defendant that if the disruptive conduct continues after standby counsel is substituted into the case, the defendant will be removed from the courtroom and the hearing or trial will proceed. The defendant’s conduct will determine whether he or she remains in the courtroom.
Third, at the beginning of each hearing and the trial, explain to the defendant the procedure that is going to be followed. This should include telling the defendant which side will go first, when and how to object, and not to interrupt. Emphasize to the defendant that his or her conduct determines whether propria persona status continues. Provide the defendant with a pen and a notepad. One method that some trial judges use is to tell the defendant to raise his or her hand when he or she wants to object or address the court.
Fourth, make a clear record. If you are in a jury trial, do this outside the presence of the jury. If termination of propria persona status is being considered, describe the offending conduct for the record unless it is clear without a description. Warn the defendant that continued misconduct will result in the forfeiture of his or her propria persona status. If, after the substitution of standby counsel, the defendant continues to act out, warn the defendant that his or her conduct will result in the forfeiture of his or her right to be present in the courtroom during the hearing or trial. Let the defendant know that continued disruption of the proceedings will not result in a mistrial or a delay in the proceedings.
Fifth, if the defendant is removed from the courtroom, tell his or her attorney on the record that the defendant can return to the courtroom when he or she agrees not to disrupt the proceedings. If you are in a jury trial, have the attorney consult with the defendant at each noon and evening recess to determine whether he or she agrees not to be disruptive, and on the record have the attorney confirm that the discussion took place and how the defendant answered. Tell the jury when it returns to the courtroom that the defendant has chosen not to be present during the proceedings. Do not elaborate.
*237Finally, consult with your colleagues about their experiences and suggestions. There is a wealth of experience to draw from, so take advantage of it.