Coonce v. State

Benham, Judge.

Jerry Coonce appeals his bench trial conviction of criminal trespass. Coonce chose to defend himself at trial without representation by counsel. His attorney on appeal contends that the trial court committed reversible error by failing to advise Coonce of his constitutional and statutory rights not to give evidence for or against himself; by failing to advise Coonce of his right to testify in his own behalf; and by failing to determine whether a knowing waiver of Coonce’s right to testify in his own behalf was made.

1. Under the Georgia Constitution and the Fifth Amendment to the…