Laidler v. State

At his second trial 1 on two counts of armed robbery with a firearm and one count of aggravated assault with a firearm, Appellant sought to represent himself. The trial court conducted a thorough Far-etta 2 hearing and, finding Appellant not competent to waive his right to counsel, denied the request. We review the court’s decision for abuse of discretion. 3 Because the evidence in the record does not support the court’s finding, we reverse and remand, once again, for new trial. 4

In criminal prosecutions, the right to counsel and the right to represent oneself both arise from the Sixth…