Court Opinion

ID: 9657570
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 20:30:36.569749+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:13:46.465161
License: Public Domain

Adams, J.
(concurring). While it is highly desirable that there be an express waiver of any constitutional right in a criminal case, I agree with Justice O’Hara that the test is not express waiver. It is possible that under some circumstances an express waiver would not meet the constitutional test that a defendant “intelligently and understandingly” .waive the assistance of counsel. Carnley v. Cochran (1962), 369 US 506 (82 S Ct 884, 8 L ed 2d 70). See, also, my opinion in People v. Stearns (1968), 380 Mich 704, 706.
Upon arraignment, the following occurred:
“The Court: Mr. Hobdy, that document you hold in your hands is a copy of the information filed against you charging you with breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a larceny. Do you understand the charge?
“Respondent: Yes, I do.
“The Court: I must advise you that under that offense the maximum penalty is 15 years in prison. Do you understand that?
“Respondent: Yes, sir.
“The Court: You are entitled to a jury trial under this charge if you want one and entitled to be represented by a lawyer, a lawyer of your own choosing *691if you can retain one, or counsel appointed by the court for you if you want counsel and can’t afford a lawyer and make a proper showing. Do you understand those rights'?
“Respondent: Yes, I do.
“The Court: Right to a jury trial and right to a lawyer. Also, you have a right, of course, to plead guilty or not guilty, as the case may be, to this charge. With that explanation of your rights, what do you wish to do ?
“Respondent: I wish to plead not guilty — I mean guilty, sir.
“The Court: Do I understand that you are pleading guilty because you know you did on the 28th day of June, 1961, township of Baroda, this county, this State, commit this offense of breaking and entering-in the nighttime with intent to commit a larceny?
“Respondent: Yes, sir.
“The Court: You know that it will be necessary for the court to impose a penalty somewhat within the limitations I have stated?
“Respondent: Yes, sir.
“The Court: Has anyone used any force or fraud or tricks or intimidations of any kind to get you to plead guilty?
“Respondent: No.
“The Court: Has anyone made any promises or held out any inducements to get you to plead guilty?
“Respondent: No.
. “The Court: Do I understand that you are pleading guilty because you know you are guilty and know you will have to be punished for the offense?
“Respondent: That’s right.
“The Court: How old are you?
“Respondent: 22.
“The Court: Under the circumstances, the court finds the plea to be freely, voluntarily, and understandingly offered; and therefore it is received.”
When the judge asked, “With that explanation of your rights, what do you wish to do ?”, the defendant *692had an opportunity to request counsel. Upon this record, there is nothing to show defendant did not comprehend such right. I would hold that his failure to request counsel, in these circumstances, constituted waiver, of same.
I vote to reverse the Court of Appeals and affirm the judgment of conviction entered on defendant’s plea of guilty in the circuit court.