In re S.M.

¶1 The State filed a petition to involuntarily commit S.M. after he told a friend he was going to commit suicide. At the initial hearing, S.M. advised the court that he wished to waive counsel and represent himself. The District Court ultimately denied S.M.’s request and appointed counsel over S.M.’s objection. S.M., together with his *29appointed counsel, entered into a stipulation for commitment to community-based treatment. The District Court approved the stipulation and ordered S.M.’s commitment. On appeal, S.M. contends that Montana law prohibiting waiver of the right to counsel violates…