S.Y. v. Eau Claire County

S.Y. appeals an amended judgment of commitment finding him to be mentally ill, dangerous and in need of treatment.,1 S.Y. conducted his own defense at the commitment hearing. On appeal, he argues that sec. 51.20(3), Stats., mandated he be provided with counsel despite his wishes; that his waiver of counsel was, in any event, not knowing, intelligent and voluntary; and that he was prejudiced by the absence of counsel. He also argues that the trial court erred by failing to uphold a hearsay objection. We conclude that S.Y. was entitled to represent himself under art. I, sec. 21, of the…