Commonwealth v. Cote

On May 5, 2003, the defendant was arraigned on one count of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, G. L. c. 90, § 24(2)(a). At that arraignment, the presiding judge informed *710the defendant that because he would not face any jail time for this misdemeanor, he was not eligible to receive appointed counsel. The defendant appeared pro se at his November 4, 2003, jury trial. That same day, the jury found the defendant guilty, and he was sentenced to one year of probation.1 The defendant, represented by counsel, subsequently filed a motion for a new trial, which was denied. The defendant now…