Van Sant v. Commonwealth

In a jury trial in which he represented himself, Victor H. Van Sant was found guilty of obstructing justice and of assault and battery. The jury fixed his punishment at confinement in jail for six months and nine months, respectively, and payment of specified fines. The trial court conditionally suspended the fines and confinement for the nine-month term, but sentenced Van Sant to serve the term of six months imposed by the jury on the charge of obstructing justice. We granted Van Sant an appeal limited to the question whether the trial court committed reversible error in permitting him to…