Does a waiver of counsel constitute a relinquishment of the right to effective assistance of counsel?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. McKenzie, 194 Cal.Rptr. 462, 34 Cal.3d 616, 668 P.2d 769 (Cal. 1983):

United States v. Dujanovic (9th Cir.1973) 486 F.2d 182, cited by the People, fails to support this contention. In Dujanovic, the defendant's conviction was reversed on the ground that the trial court had failed to make a sufficient inquiry into the defendant's capacity to decide whether to waive counsel. The court concluded there had been no valid waiver. In discussing the difficulties involved in Faretta proceedings, the court mentioned in dictum that obstreperous or disruptive actions of the defendant might "well stand as a voluntary relinquishment or forfeiture of the limited constitutional right to proceed pro se." (Id. at p. 187.) The People draw comfort from this dictum and urge that defendant's actions constituted a forfeiture of the right to effective assistance of counsel.

Other Questions


Is a defendant deprived of his constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel when a trial court denies his motion to substitute one appointed counsel for another? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant argue on appeal that counsel's inaction at trial to alleged prosecutorial misconduct violated their constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant argue on appeal that counsel's inaction at trial violated his constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant argue on appeal that counsel's inaction violated their constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant who failed to object at trial to alleged prosecutorial misconduct on appeal argue that counsel's inaction violated their constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant argue on appeal that counsel's inaction at trial to alleged prosecutorial misconduct violated their constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant argue on appeal that counsel's inaction at trial to alleged prosecutorial misconduct violated his constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for denying a defendant's constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant who failed to object at trial to alleged prosecutorial misconduct argue on appeal that his inaction violated his constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel? (California, United States of America)
What is the scope of the federal and state constitutions regarding a right to effective assistance of counsel? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.