Kennedy v. State

Thomas Clyde Kennedy appeals his convictions and sentences for sale or delivery of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to sell. Kennedy contends that the trial *677court, in response to Kennedy’s assertion that he desired to discharge the public defender, misinformed him with respect to a criminal defendant’s right to self-representation. We agree and reverse.

On March 4, 1993, Kennedy appeared for trial. Before the jury was sworn, Kennedy informed the court that he wished to discharge the assistant public defender. After inquiring into Kennedy’s reasons, the trial court stated:

Now I am…