People v. Sullivan

The defendant was charged in Fresno County with two counts of passing forged instruments—the first count for $31,626, and the second count in the sum of $18,600. He was also charged with two prior convictions—one for grand theft for which he served a term in San Quentin; and an insufficient funds conviction in Kern County for which he served a term in Los Padres. He was arraigned, and pleaded “Not guilty” to both counts.

At the trial on October 30 and 31, 1961, he waived his right to counsel, instead elected to represent himself. He had previously dismissed two court-appointed attorneys,…