Duffie v. State

HARRIS, Judge.

This was an Anders appeal in which the court requested additional briefing as to whether Brandon T. Duffie’s right to counsel was denied. We conclude that it was and reverse.

Duffie was charged by information with robbery. At first appearance, the public defender was appointed to represent him. However, Duffie appeared at arraignment without counsel and pled nolo contendere. At sentencing, Duffie again appeared without counsel. He was sentenced to fifty-one weeks’ incarceration followed by two years’ community control.1

The transcripts of the arraignment and sentencing show that…