State v. Silva

Matthew G. Silva appeals his conviction for forgery, theft, and possession of stolen property on the *538grounds that he did not validly waive assistance of counsel. Because he was not advised of the maximum penalty for the crimes with which he was charged, we agree and reverse.

I

Matthew Silva was charged on amended information with two counts of forgery, two counts of second degree theft, and one count of possession of stolen property. Early in the proceedings, he moved to disqualify his appointed counsel and the entire public defender’s office with whom she was associated. He alleged a conflict…