Merritt v. State

Miller, Judge.

Stacy Merritt was sworn in as a member of a grand jury but appeared for only three of the eighteen sessions. Merritt represented himself at a “show cause” hearing on whether he should be held in contempt. The court found him in contempt and sentenced him to two days imprisonment. Merritt appeals, claiming that the court failed to apprise him of the dangers of self-representation and to obtain from him a knowing waiver of the right to counsel. We agree and reverse.

In July 2002, Merritt was sworn in as a member of the Fulton County grand jury and was elected its assistant…