State v. Smith

Defendant appeals his convictions for robbery in the first degree, assault in the second and third degrees, and related firearms charges. He argues that the trial court erred in failing to inquire into his complaints concerning appointed counsel after he requested the appointment of new counsel on his behalf. We reverse.

Before the trial began, defendant asked for the appointment of different counsel, complaining that his existing counsel had failed to investigate the case and to interview potential witnesses. The trial court did not inquire into those complaints; rather, it stated that it had…