State v. Hamilton

I agree with the majority that the Appellate Court was incorrect in holding that the defendant must demonstrate specific prejudice or claim ineffective assistance of counsel in order to overturn the denial of a motion for a continuance to obtain new counsel. Nevertheless, I disagree with the majority’s analysis and result in this matter.

The majority reviews the defendant’s right to counsel claim under the sixth amendment to the United States constitution. I would not reach the issue under the federal constitution, but rather under the constitution of Connecticut. This sequence of review,…