People v. Smith

*687Opinion

ARABIAN, J.

A defendant pleads guilty to felony charges pursuant to a plea bargain. Prior to sentencing, he seeks to withdraw the plea, and claims his court-appointed attorney provided ineffective assistance. Under what circumstances must the trial court substitute new counsel in place of the first attorney for future representation, including investigating and, if appropriate, presenting a claim that the first attorney was ineffective?

I. Facts

Defendant was charged by information with murder and other offenses. The information also alleged that defendant used a firearm in the commission…