Monte v. State

The appellant, James Marvin Monte, pleaded guilty to the unlawful use of a vehicle, a violation of § 13A-8-11, Code of Alabama 1975. He was sentenced to 12 months in the county jail and was placed in a work release program.

The appellant's only contention on appeal is that he was denied his basic constitutional right to counsel. The trial court determined that the appellant was not indigent and, therefore, was not entitled to state-appointed counsel. See § 15-12-1, et seq.; Mays v. State, 497 So.2d 205 (Ala.Cr.App. 1986). The appellant did not retain private counsel. A defendant is entitled to…