State v. Vermillion

Marvin Lee Vermillion was convicted of first-degree robbery and threats to bomb property. Beginning six days before jury selection, Mr. Vermillion repeatedly and unequivocally requested to represent himself. The trial court denied his requests on the improper basis that his appointed counsel was better educated and versed in the law and thus would better serve his interests. However, assertion of the right to self-representation does not require a showing of technical knowledge. If a person is competent to stand trial, he is competent to represent himself. Mr. Vermillion did not request that…