Watkins v. State

MlKELL, Judge.

After a bench trial in which Gemayle Watkins represented himself, he was convicted of misdemeanor battery and sentenced to twelve months to serve ten days in confinement and the balance of the sentence on probation. On appeal, Watkins challenges the sufficiency of the evidence and argues that the trial court erred in allowing him to represent himself. Because we find that the state did not meet its burden of showing that Watkins received sufficient information and guidance from the trial court upon which to knowingly and voluntarily relinquish his right to counsel, we reverse.

The…