Jerry Jerome Holmes v. State of Florida

Appellant, Jerry. Jerome Holmes, appeals his convictions and sentences for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of cannabis, and argues that the trial court reversibly erred by denying his request to represent himself. Finding that the trial court incorrectly denied Appellant’s request for self-representation, we reverse and remand for,a new trial.

At a May 8, 2014, hearing, the trial court conducted a Faretta 1 inquiry, during which it explained to Appellant the advantages of having a lawyer and the disadvantages of self-representation. Appellant testified that he Was…