Gillyard v. State

Leonard Gillyard appeals his conviction for grand theft, asserting the trial court erred by failing to conduct an adequate inquiry regarding his self-representation as required by Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 95 S.Ct. 2525, 45 L.Ed.2d 562 (1975), and raising several other issues. Because the court’s Faretta inquiry was inadequate, we reverse and remand for a new trial. Accordingly, Gillyard’s other issues are moot.

At Gillyard’s initial arraignment, the trial court questioned him as follows:

COURT: Have you spoken to a Public Defender this morning?

GILLYARD: Yes, I did, Your Honor, but I…