State v. Stephenson

SNELL, Justice.

The State seeks further review of an appellate court decision which held the defendant, Jeff Allen Stephenson, did not validly waive his Sixth Amendment right to counsel. Defendant cross-appeals, contending the State faked to prove an essential element of the crime, and that his sentence was illegal. We affirm the decision of the court of appeals, reverse the judgment of the district court and remand for a new trial.

I. Background Facts and Proceedings

On July 28, 1997, Darlene Stephenson was at home recuperating from a recent surgery, when her friend, Julie Winkel, received a…