United States v. Ross

During the course of the post-trial interview1 appellant stated that he was not satisfied with his defense counsel. It is my considered belief that such a remark is a disavowal by the client of the attorney-client relationship which effectively terminates that relationship.2 Furthermore, I believe that in such a situation it is incumbent upon the staff judge advocate to take such steps as are necessary to ascertain the client’s desires concerning legal representation during the post-trial processing of his case.3

*882I am persuaded that appellant’s renunciation of his trial defense counsel…