People v. Johnson

Opinion

SHOEMAKER, P. J.

This is an appeal by defendant Joe Willie Johnson from a judgment convicting him of rape and burglary. His sole contention on appeal is that he had a constitutional right to represent himself at the preliminary hearing and that the denial of this right requires a reversal of the judgment of conviction. The case is one of first impression.

Defendant’s preliminary examination was held in the municipal court on February 4, 1969. At the inception of the hearing, defendant advised the court that he did not desire the services of the public defender and wished to act as his…