Fernandez v. State

OPINION

PHYLIS J. SPEEDLIN, Justice.

Jose Alberto Fernandez, Jr. appeals his conviction for evading arrest, asserting the trial court erred in permitting him to represent himself at trial without the proper admonishments and without a valid waiver of the right to counsel. We reverse the trial court’s judgment and remand for a new trial.

BACKGROUND

On the evening of February 18, 2006, Fernandez was involved in an altercation at a bar. Upon responding to a “fight in progress” call, the police discovered that Fernandez had already left the bar. Fernandez was driving toward his home when two patrol…