People v. Palmer

Defendant, arrested on a misdemeanor charge (of violating section 1140 of the Penal Law), was, on Tuesday, October 1, 1946, brought before a judge of the City Court of Rochester, for arraignment. After he had been told what the complaint was, defendant was informed by the judge that he was “ entitled to counsel and an adjournment to procure counsel.” Asked if he understood the charge, he answered “ Yes.” Asked whether he pleaded guilty or not guilty, he replied that he did not “ know how to plead.” If defendant at that point had pleaded guilty, .there would, probably, have been a violation of…