People v. Roofener

The defendant, Norman T. Roofener, appeals from his conviction for armed robbery following a jury trial. The defendant was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment. On appeal, the only issue raised is whether the defendant was denied his constitutional right to counsel where the trial court allowed the motion of the defendant’s appointed counsel to withdraw for ethical reasons on the date of the trial and after the jury had been selected, and denied to the defendant the opportunity to have other counsel, thus requiring the defendant to proceed pro se, without first securing a knowing and…