People v. Spirles

—Judgment unani*981mously affirmed. Memorandum: On appeal from a judgment convicting him of four counts of robbery in the first degree (Penal Law § 160.15 [2], [4]) and two counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree (Penal Law § 155.30 [5]), defendant contends that County Court erred in allowing him to represent himself at trial and in denying defendant’s subsequent request for substitute counsel. We disagree. Respect for the autonomy of a defendant requires a court to allow him to represent himself provided that he makes an unequivocal and timely request to do so; voluntarily, knowingly, and…