Patton v. State

DICKINSON, Justice,

for the Court:

¶ 1. In this felony prosecution, the trial court allowed the defendant to represent himself -without first obtaining a knowing and intelligent waiver of counsel. We reverse on this important constitutional violation.

BACKGROUND FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

¶ 2. Edgar Patton was indicted for the crime of false pretenses. He unsuccessfully represented himself in the trial court. He appeals, claiming as one of nine assignments of error that he did not knowingly and intelligently waive his Sixth Amendment right to counsel. Because this issue is dispositive, we decline to…