People v. Asquini

I concur with the well-written analysis of the law set forth in the majority opinion. However, I conclude that the process used by the district court to accept defendant’s pleas did not constitute a valid waiver of counsel. It is a well-established principle of law that a defendant must be informed, before entering a plea, of the right to the assistance of an attorney and, if the defendant is indigent, that the court will appoint an attorney at public expense. People v Adkins (After Remand), 452 Mich 702, 720-722; 551 NW2d 108 (1996); MCR 6.610(E). The court must question the defendant to…