Walker v. State

OPINION

TAFT, Justice.

A jury found appellant, Jimmy Walker, guilty of murder and assessed punishment at life in prison plus a $10,000 fine. We consider: (1) whether a defendant representing himself with standby counsel must be admonished as to the dangers and disadvantages of self-representation; and (2) whether the trial court improperly denied appellant’s request to withdraw his waiver of counsel. We reverse for a new punishment hearing.

Factual And Procedural Background

At the beginning of trial, the visiting judge appointed standby counsel for appellant, who had been determined to be…