State v. White

After his attorney was relieved, appellant was convicted in his absence without counsel of trafficking in cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. The following day he appeared pro se before the trial judge for the opening of his sealed sentence. The record fails to show that the trial judge made any finding that appellant made a knowing and intelligent waiver of his right to counsel at trial. Appellant, therefore, contends that he is entitled to a new trial. We disagree.

The State argues that this issue cannot be raised for the first time on appeal. In State v. Williams, —…