- Posted May 13, 2011
- Tweet This | Share on Facebook
Convicted killer wins appeal over being his own lawyer
MOUNT CLEMENS (AP) -- The Michigan appeals court has overturned the murder conviction and life sentence of a Macomb County man because a judge didn't properly handle his request to represent himself.
Dwayne Wilson was convicted in 2009 of fatally shooting the new boyfriend of his former girlfriend. Prosecutors say he was jealous and shot the victim three times in Warren.
The appeals court this week said there's "overwhelming evidence" against Wilson, but the case must start over because Judge Matthew Switalski didn't properly handle the defendant's request to be his own lawyer on the first day of trial.
The court says Wilson's bid to represent himself was quickly shot down without the judge asking enough questions. Switalski told Wilson he'd be convicted "to the max" if he relied on himself.
Published: Fri, May 13, 2011
headlines Oakland County
- Whitmer signs gun violence prevention legislation
- Department of Attorney General conducts statewide warrant sweep, arrests 9
- Adoptive families across Michigan recognized during Adoption Day and Month
- Reproductive Health Act signed into law
- Case study: Documentary highlights history of courts in the Eastern District
headlines National
- Judge is accused of using racial slur, vulgar terms and ‘libtard’ label for employee offended by his comments
- ACLU and BigLaw firm use ‘Orange is the New Black’ in hashtag effort to promote NY jail reform
- Colorado Supreme Court considers whether habeas petition can free zoo elephants
- 4th Circuit upholds $1M sanction for law firm that tried to ‘sabotage’ federal court’s authority
- Don’t give money to law schools unless they teach originalism, conservative federal appeals judge says
- Average BigLaw partner compensation increased 26% in 2 years, reaching this high-water mark