Jones v. Vacco

MEMORANDUM OPINION

SCHEINDLIN, District Judge:

Petitioner Charles Jones, a New York State prisoner, filed this petition for a writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254. Petitioner contends that his Sixth Amendment right to counsel was violated when the trial judge ordered him to refrain from consulting with his attorney during a prolonged break in Petitioner’s cross-examination.

I. Factual Background

On April 15, 1993, Petitioner was indicted for unlawfully entering the apartment of his employer, Marla Maples, and stealing various items of her property. He was charged with second degree…