State v. Rater

SNELL, Justice.

This appeal primarily concerns the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel and the defendant’s rights under the Double Jeopardy Clause of the United States Constitution. Rater was convicted by the court for contempt and by a jury for criminal nonsupport of his children. He appeals the criminal non-support conviction. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

I. Background Facts and Proceedings

In 1987, the marriage of Maja Elizabeth Rater and Otho Rater was dissolved. Otho Rater was ordered to pay monthly child support of $850 for their four minor children. At that time he was…