State v. Batista

Hircio M. Batista appeals from a judgment of conviction for operating a motor vehicle after revocation of his operating privileges (OAR) in violation of sec. 343.44(1), Stats., and from an order denying his motion for a new trial. He contends that he was denied his sixth amendment right to counsel when the trial court required him to represent himself at trial after permitting appointed counsel to withdraw from representation. Because we conclude that the trial court erred in permitting counsel to withdraw without a hearing, we reverse and remand.

On August 1,1991, the state issued a criminal…