Smith v. State

My dissent in this case is limited to disagreement with the holding of the majority regarding the ground of the motion which the opinion refers to as a contention by the appellant that he was “denied assistance of counsel at arraignment.” The problem is ■whether arraignment, which is not a critical stage in the trial process (Ex parte Jeffcoat, 109 Fla. 207, 146 So. 827) becomes so if the ■«defendant pleads guilty when arraigned ■without counsel.

Preliminary to discussion of that question it should be noted the motion filed by the appellant made no express contention with' reference to denial…