People v. Termotto

— Judgment reversed on the law *966and new trial granted. Memorandum: Although a criminal defendant has the right to undertake his own representation, before the court can allow him to proceed pro se it must determine that the decision is knowing and intelligent (see, People v McIntyre, 36 NY2d 10, 17; People v Williams, 96 AD2d 740). In order to ascertain this, the court must undertake a searching inquiry to be assured that defendant understands the value of counsel and the dangers and disadvantages of giving up his fundamental right to counsel (see, People v Kaltenbach, 60 NY2d 797, 799; People…