State v. Watson

This is an appeal from a conviction of robbery. The case was tried by jury before the Honorable C. B. Elwell, Judge of the Twelfth Judicial District, in Havre, Montana, on October 21, 1963. The jury returned a verdict of guilty and fixed the punishment by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for a period of five years. This appeal seeks a reversal of the judgment, and remand for a new trial.

At the trial level, the defendant was represented by counsel which he chose and retained. On appeal, defendant requested that the court appoint an attorney for him as he was without funds to pay for such…