Mendes v. United States

After a jury trial, appellant, an experienced attorney, was convicted of distribution of cocaine, D.C.Code § 33-541(a)(l) (1990 Supp.), and carrying a pistol without a license, D.C.Code § 22-3204 (1989 Repl.). He contends, on appeal, that his Sixth Amendment right to counsel was violated because the trial court required him to appear pro se following his dismissal of his retained attorney. We affirm.

From April 21,1989, when appellant first appeared for trial, until the trial concluded on May 3, 1989, appellant engaged in conduct giving rise to an inference that dilatory tactics were being…