People v. Morris

In December 1962, appellant was charged with violating Penal Code, sections 470 (forgery), 475 (fraudulent possession of blank check) and 475a (fraudulent possession of completed check). In addition, two prior felony convictions were alleged. Prior to appellant’s plea of “not guilty” and his denial of the priors, private counsel was for the deputy public defender and the section 470 charge was set aside.

The ease was called for trial on February 8, 1963, at which time the private counsel, on his own motion, was relieved. Appellant declined the services of the public defender, to proceed in…