Court Opinion

ID: 9730772
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 15:23:03.046432+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:26:09.161048
License: Public Domain

Dissenting Opinion
Arterburn, J.
I regret that I cannot concur in the majority opinion in this case for the reason that the result is that this defendant can never be tried if he continues not to get counsel to defend himself. He is' able financially to employ counsel and contends that he wants an attorney when he is tried. With a situation like that it leaves the control of the case and the trial of the case entirely in the defendant’s hands as to when he wants to get counsel and why he does not for any frivolous reason.
The majority opinion says: “The absence of counsel in this case is directly attributable to appellant’s own conduct.” Almost a year and a half elapsed between the time of arraignment and the date of the trial. His counsel came in tardily after the trial had started. I think there is a reasonable limitation as to what extent a defendant may trifle with the court. In my opinion, this type of case makes the courts appear ridiculous and the laughing stock of the public. Here the trial judge extended the defendant every opportunity to secure counsel, and his actions should be affirmed. I therefore dissent.
*50GIYAN, J., Concurs.
Note — Reported in 257 N. E. 2d 305.