Opinion
May 21, 1998
Appeal from the County Court of Rensselaer County (McGrath, J.).
Defendant was indicted on three counts of sexual abuse in the first degree and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Following a trial at which defendant proceeded pro se, he was convicted of one count of sexual abuse in the first degree and sentenced as a second felony offender to a prison term of 3 1/2, to 7 years. Defendant now appeals, contending that it was error for County Court to permit him to represent himself at trial. We disagree.
Both the Federal and State Constitutions guarantee criminal defendants the right to conduct their own defense ( see, People v. Reilly, 219 A.D.2d 756, 757, lv denied 88 N.Y.2d 883; People v. Ward, 205 A.D.2d 876, 877, lv denied 84 N.Y.2d 873). Where a trial court conducts a thorough colloquy which demonstrates that a defendants decision has been made voluntarily and with full knowledge of the possible dangers and disadvantages of proceeding pro se, the defendants request to proceed pro se must not be denied ( see, People v. Ward, supra, at 877).
Here, County Court reminded defendant of his three prior applications to proceed pro se during the course of this criminal proceeding and his subsequent decision not to be represented by counsel. Thereafter, County Court again informed defendant of the disadvantages and perils of representing himself at trial and explained that he would be held to the same standards and procedures as a defendant with counsel. Despite County Courts admonitions, defendant unequivocally stated that he wanted to proceed pro se. Upon granting defendants request, County Court appointed standby counsel to be available throughout the trial as a legal advisor to assist defendant if necessary.
The colloquy conducted by County Court indicates that defendant knowingly and intelligently sought to proceed pro se at trial ( see, People v. Burton, 213 A.D.2d 732, 734, lv denied 85 N.Y.2d 970; People v. Wright, 192 A.D.2d 875, 876, lv denied 82 N.Y.2d 809). The fact that he did not possess the requisite legal knowledge to proceed through a trial does not constitute sufficient ground for denying defendants request to represent himself ( see, People v. Davis, 49 N.Y.2d 114, 120). Notably, the record indicates that defendant had previously represented himself in another criminal matter. Furthermore, we find no indication in the record that a psychological examination was warranted ( see, People v. Benson, 174 A.D.2d 898, lv denied 78 N.Y.2d 1009) or that he was forced to go to trial unprepared.
Inasmuch as the record demonstrates that defendant voluntarily and intelligently undertook to represent himself at trial, we find no abuse of discretion in County Court granting defendants request to proceed pro se (see, People v. Burton, supra, at 734-735; People v. Wright, supra, at 876).
Cardona, P. J., Spain, Carpinello and Graffeo, JJ., concur.
Ordered that the judgment is affirmed.