Deren v. State

Blackburn, Judge.

Eric Deren appeals from his conviction for speeding in violation of OCGA § 40-6-181, following a bench trial, arguing that the trial court erred by denying him the right to assistance of counsel. We find that Deren was deprived of his right to counsel in his misdemeanor criminal prosecution, and we reverse.

Deren was charged with the criminal offense of speeding and subsequently appeared in the City of Atlanta Traffic Court. Deren pled not guilty and proceeded pro se to a non-jury trial. After being found guilty, Deren was sentenced to a fine of $566 and suspended sentence of…