People v. Gabriel

*555OPINION OF THE COURT

Judith S. Lies, J.

The issue presented in this case is whether a defendant forfeits his right to self-representation when he feigns an inability to speak and hear. At an evidentiary hearing held in connection with this issue, an examining psychologist expressed the opinion that the defendant was pretending to have such disabilities “as a means to interfere with the efficient resolution” of these proceedings. Based on the psychologist’s testimony and his reports, which were admitted as exhibits at the hearing, the court finds that the defendant has engaged in intentional…