State Of Washington v. Keith Adair Davis , 429 P.3d 534 ( 2018 )

COURT OFF1L.E0
STATE OFAPPEALS DIV •
W
ASHINGTON
2018 NOV -5
Ati 9:45
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
STATE OF WASHINGTON,
No. 76806-9-1
Respondent,
DIVISION ONE
V.
PUBLISHED OPINION
KEITH ADAIR DAVIS,
Appellant. FILED: November 5, 2018
CHUN, J. — Defendant appeals a judgment convicting him of two counts of
possession of a stolen vehicle and one count of possession of a controlled
substance. He assigns error to the trial court's decisions to (1) deny his motions
for standby counsel,(2) remove him from the courtroom during trial, and (3)
proceed with trial in his absence while he was self-represented.
The trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying Davis's requests for
standby counsel. Nor did the trial court abuse its discretion in removing Davis
from the courtroom during trial, after it warned him, due to his disruptive
behavior. The court, however, allowed two material witnesses to testify in
Davis's absence, with an empty defense table, and it did not afford him an
opportunity to cross-examine either witness. For the reasons set forth below, we
conclude this decision violated Davis's Sixth Amendment right to representation.
We affirm Davis's criminal judgment and sentence as to count 1
(possession of stolen vehicle). However, as the portion of the trial held in Davis's
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absence included testimony to support counts 2(possession of a stolen vehicle)
and 3(possession of a controlled substance), we reverse as to those counts and
remand.
1.
BACKGROUND
On January 23, 2014, Sergeant Timothy Gillette of the King County
Sheriff's Office arrested Davis for possession of a stolen Hyundai vehicle.
Two and a half weeks later, on February 11,2014, Officer Danny Graf of
the Federal Way Police Department observed a Buick parked near a park-and-
ride and saw Davis standing outside the car, making furtive movements. As
Davis got into the car to drive away, Officer Graf recorded the license plate. The
owner had reported the vehicle as stolen. Officer Graf then initiated a traffic stop
and arrested Davis for possession of a stolen vehicle -- the Buick. Officer Justin
Antholt, also of the Federal Way Police Department, arrived as backup and
conducted a search incident to arrest. He discovered 2.18 grams of crack
cocaine in Davis's shirt pocket.
On May 19, 2014, the State charged Davis with two counts of possession
of a stolen vehicle, and one count of possession of a controlled substance. On
February 6, 2015, Davis moved to proceed without legal counsel. The court
granted the motion. During the trial court's colloquy to assure a proper waiver,
Davis requested standby counsel. The court warned Davis it would likely not
grant such a request, but told him he could file a motion.
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No. 76806-9-1/3
Davis moved for standby counsel at a case setting hearing on January 28,
2016.1 The court explained to Davis that he did not have a right to standby
counsel and ordering such counsel could raise ethical and practical concerns.
Davis then elaborated on his reasons for requesting standby counsel, namely
access to office equipment, and unfamiliarity with the judicial process. The trial
court denied Davis's motion.
At another case setting hearing on February 11, 2016, Davis again moved
for standby counsel. Davis stated he needed standby counsel because "there
aren't any resources available and they're limited to my health2 as well. I may
not be able to proceed." The trial court stated Washington law does not favor
standby counsel. The court denied the motion.
On April 1, 2016, Davis renewed his motion for standby counsel. Citing
State v. Romero, 95 Wash. App. 323, 975 P.2d 564 (1999), the trial court reiterated
to Davis that he did not have a right to standby counsel. Davis claimed an
"implied right" to standby counsel in the event he could not continue representing
himself. The court declined to order standby counsel, and stated Davis must
choose between having counsel and representing himself. Davis chose to
proceed without a lawyer.
Davis made another motion for standby counsel on May 10, 2016. The
trial court asked if Davis's circumstances had changed since his last motion for
1The case was significantly delayed because the trial court originally transferred it to Drug
Court. Additionally, during Davis's release in this matter, he was arrested in Thurston County,
charged with assault, and convicted there.
2 Davis suffers from several medical conditions, including active multiple sclerosis, a
ruptured hernia, and an obstructed bowel. Davis used a wheelchair during the trial.
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standby counsel. In response, Davis referenced "doctor appointments" and
being a "layperson." Seeing no change in circumstances, the trial court denied
Davis's motion.
On February 27, 2017, the parties appeared for pretrial hearings. Davis
moved for a continuance. The trial court denied the request, as trial was set to
begin the next day and the case had already been significantly delayed. 3 Davis
then stated he wanted to "withdraw" as his counsel and that the court could go to
trial without him. The court attempted to clarify Davis's statements and asked
him if he was requesting counsel when he said he wanted to withdraw, but Davis
just repeated he would not come to trial and cited health issues. The trial court
denied Davis's motion to withdraw as counsel because it would unnecessarily
delay trial. The court also declined to appoint standby counsel.
Trial started the next day and Davis moved for standby counsel and a
continuance. The court denied both motions because it had already ruled on
them. The case proceeded to trial.
After a CrR 3.5 hearing, Davis claimed he could not continue with the trial
because of excessive pain. Davis again moved for a continuance and the trial
court told him it had already denied the motion. Davis stated he was "unable to
continue as [his] own counsel." The court reminded Davis it had denied that
motion as well. In an attempt to advise Davis of what was expected at trial, the
court warned Davis it would remove him if he acted disruptively. Davis said he
3 The court had already continued the case considerably to allow Davis to hire an
investigator and prepare for trial.
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did not care and that the court could hold trial without him.
Davis appeared for trial on March 7,2017. In the middle of the afternoon,
during the State's examination of Officer Antholt, the court excused Davis for a
restroom break. When Davis returned, he noticed the water had been removed
from his table. He began banging his fists on the table, screaming he needed
water. The court told Davis the water was removed because Davis took
restroom breaks every twenty-five minutes. The court noted Davis had
consumed twice as much water as the day before and that the proceeding would
soon adjourn for the day. The court tried to proceed with trial. The State
attempted to continue its examination of Officer Antholt, but Davis repeatedly
interrupted to make comments about the water. The trial court temporarily retired
the jury and the following exchange took place:
THE COURT: I'm going to take the jury back now.
THE DEFENDANT: Thank you. You can hold your trial without
me. How's that?
THE COURT: I'm going to do that.
THE DEFENDANT: Do that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank
you. Just go ahead with your kangaroo court and your ridiculous
charges, and your little games and that you do that. Load
somebody else up in the prison system. Get your next victim lined
up. I'm done with it. I could care less.
THE COURT: All right. Wait a minute. Mr. Davis, you have
one more--
THE DEFENDANT: What do you want? I need water. I'm
done talking. What's there to talk about? You're playing a game.
I'm done playing your games.
THE COURT: All right. The record's going to reflect--
THE DEFENDANT: All right. The record this -- all right, for the
record this. I said that, I mean that. I'm not going to continue to be
a gentleman and polite. I could care less what you say. I'm done
with it.
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No. 76806-9-1/6
THE COURT: I'm going to find that you are voluntarily
absenting yourself--
THE DEFENDANT: Whatever. Do whatever you want.
THE COURT: --from these proceedings.
THE DEFENDANT: You're going to deny me water when 1
need water, whatever.
THE COURT: I need him present so I can make the record, so
don't take him out yet.
THE DEFENDANT: I don't care about your record.
THE COURT: Well, I do.
THE DEFENDANT: I don't. And I know your buddies up at the
appellate court ain't gonna give a shit either, so fuck the record.
THE COURT: So the record should reflect that Mr. Davis has
been given twice as much water as he had yesterday and,
therefore, he's--
THE DEFENDANT: So what?
THE COURT: Had to use the restroom twice as much.
THE DEFENDANT: I had to use the restroom because I had a
digestive dysfunction. 1 piss a lot. Ask the god damn — the officers.
1 piss.
THE COURT: Can you keep your voice down?
THE DEFENDANT: No, I'm not. Freedom of expression. You
don't want to listen then shut your ears.
THE COURT: So at about -- ten after 3:00 he was brought back
here and I've explained to him that--
THE DEFENDANT: We gonna do this, we gonna play the
kangaroo game. I don't care, either. You can keep playing, play
with yourself. Stop playing with me. Who cares?
THE COURT: This is not about the--
THE DEFENDANT: I don't care.
THE COURT: This is about you disrupting the trial, delaying the
trial.
THE DEFENDANT: Doesn't matter what it's about. What it's
really about, nothing.
THE COURT: Screaming at the top of his lungs, the jury--
THE DEFENDANT: And I'm going to continue to scream.
Where's my fucking water?
(Defendant screaming simultaneously with court)
THE COURT: I need to proceed with the trial, and I am finding
that he is voluntarily absenting himself from the rest of these
proceedings under State v. Garza, G-A-R-Z-A, and the record
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No. 76806-9-1/7
should reflect that he continues to speak on top of his lungs,
swearing, accusing me of all kinds of things.
THE DEFENDANT: You're being an asshole, and I can be one,
too.
THE COURT: You're now removed from the court.
THE DEFENDANT: Good. And fuck you very much, asshole.
Fuck this kangaroo court shit.
At this point, it was after three o'clock in the afternoon. In Davis's
absence, the State continued questioning Officer Antholt, who testified as to
finding crack cocaine in Davis's pocket. The State then examined Officer Graf,
who had identified the stolen Buick, initiated the traffic stop, and arrested Davis.
Officer Graf also testified as to Davis's alleged statements about how he had
obtained the Buick. The court did not give Davis an opportunity to cross-examine
either officer.
Davis returned to court the next morning. The trial court noted Davis's
outburst on March 7 amounted to one of the worst it had seen. The court again
warned Davis it would remove him if he raised his voice or used profanity. In its
findings, the court indicated Davis's outburst also disrupted trial in the courtroom
down the hall. The court noted Davis "did not have any further behavior issues of
significance," and he attended the remainder of the trial.
ANALYSIS
A. Standby Counsel
While Davis concedes he lacks a constitutional right to standby counsel,
he claims the trial court abused its discretion by categorically denying his
requests for such counsel. He mischaracterizes the record. The trial court
properly considered Davis's requests for standby counsel.
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No. 76806-9-1/8
An appellate court reviews a decision to deny standby counsel for an
abuse of discretion. State v. DeWeese, 117 Wash. 2d 369, 379, 816 P.2d 1(1991).
A trial court abuses its discretion when its "decision is manifestly unreasonable,
or is exercised on untenable grounds, or for untenable reasons." State v. Garza,
150 Wash. 2d 360, 366, 77 P.3d 347 (2003).
Defendants may waive their Sixth Amendment right to assistance of
counsel and decide to represent themselves at trial. Romero, 95 Wash. App. at
326. If a defendant chooses self-representation, he or she does not have a right
to standby counsel. DeWeese, 117 Wash. 2d at 379. "The right to self-
representation in a criminal matter... is an all-or-nothing process." Romero,95
Wn. App. at 326.
Nevertheless, a defendant may request standby counsel, and the trial
court must exercise its discretion in considering the request. See State v.
Stearman, 187 Wash. App. 257, 265, 348 P.3d 394. A court abuses its discretion
when it fails to exercise its discretion. State v. Flieger, 91 Wash. App. 236, 242,
955 P.2d 872(1998).
Davis contends that, because two judges told him obtaining standby
counsel was unlikely, no judge meaningfully considered his requests for standby
counsel. The record does not support this argument.
The court heard Davis's motions for standby counsel in at least six
separate hearings before five different judges. Initially, the trial court engaged in
a colloquy with Davis to ensure he made a knowing and voluntary waiver of his
right to counsel. Indeed, Davis does not challenge the validity of his waiver. The
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No. 76806-9-1/9
court told Davis he could submit a motion for standby counsel, but warned it
would not likely grant it.
At the next hearing, Davis presented his reasons for requesting standby
counsel. He referenced issues such as lack of access to office equipment, and
unfamiliarity with legal processes. The trial court explained at some length its
view as to why Washington courts disfavor standby counsel. The court also told
Davis that, though he could request standby counsel, such requests were rarely
granted. The record shows the court considered his motion and denied it
because, in its view, the appointment of standby counsel could give rise to ethical
and practical concerns, and Davis failed to demonstrate his need for standby
counsel overcame these concerns.
Davis moved for standby counsel several more times. Each time the trial
court allowed him to be heard. The court also explained to Davis the reasons it
denied his requests. The court afforded Davis opportunities to argue whether his
circumstances had changed since the court denied his original motion.
Concluding Davis's responses did not justify granting standby counsel, the court
denied his motions.
The court considered each of Davis's numerous requests for standby
counsel. Nothing in the record suggests the court believed it did not need to
exercise its discretion. The record also does not suggest the court refused to
exercise its discretion in denying the motions. The trial court adequately
considered Davis's requests for standby counsel.
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B. Voluntary Absence
Davis asserts the trial court removed him from trial for disruptive behavior.
The State counters Davis voluntarily absented himself. We agree with Davis.
Appellate courts review a trial court's finding of voluntary absence for an
abuse of discretion. Garza, 150 Wash. 2d at 365-66.
The Sixth Amendment grants defendants the right to be present at their
trial. State v. Thomson, 123 Wash. 2d 877, 880, 872 P.2d 1097(1994). However, a
defendant may voluntarily absent himself or herself and thereby waive the right to
be present. Thomson, 123 Wash. 2d at 881. Notably, the court should "indulge[]
every reasonable presumption against waiver." Garza, 150 Wash. 2d at 367.
The State argues Davis's statement,"You can hold your trial without me,"
indicates he voluntarily absented himself. Washington case law has not yet
addressed whether and how a defendant may voluntary absent himself or herself
by requesting to leave the courtroom. Our voluntary absence cases consider
only scenarios in which the defendant either does not appear for court or does
not return after removal.
Under Washington law, "the court only need answer one question:
whether the defendant's absence is voluntary." Thomson, 123 Wash. 2d at 881.
When deciding whether a defendant's absence qualifies as voluntary, courts
consider the totality of the circumstances. Thomson, 123 Wash. 2d at 881.
Specifically, appellate courts look to whether the trial court "(1)[made]sufficient
inquiry into the circumstances of a defendant's disappearance to justify a finding
whether the absence was voluntary,(2)[made] a preliminary finding of
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No. 76806-9-1/11
voluntariness, when justified, and (3)[gave] the defendant an adequate
opportunity to explain his absence when he is returned to custody." Garza, 150
Wash. 2d at 367. These factors are most applicable to situations where a defendant
does not appear for court or does not return to court after a removal. As such,
they are not readily applicable to the facts in this case. In particular, the first and
third factors assume the defendant failed to appear without first explaining his or
her absence to the court.
Given the lack of Washington case law on the question, we turn to
decisions from other jurisdictions for guidance. The facts here resemble those of
State v. Menefee, an Oregon case. In Menefee a self-represented defendant
made improper arguments during his opening statement and refused to confine
the scope of his presentation. 268 Or. App. 154, 160-64, 341 P.3d 229(2014).
When the defendant began arguing with the court, it warned the defendant it
would remove him if he did not behave properly. Menefee, 268 Or. App. at 163-
68. When the defendant continued his unruly behavior, the court stated the
defendant intentionally undermined the trial and concluded this constituted a
voluntary absence. Menefee, 268 Or. App. at 166-68. Though the trial court
characterized the defendant's departure as a voluntary absence, the Oregon
Appellate Court concluded the record showed the trial court removed the
defendant for misconduct. Menefee, 268 Or. App. at 182.
Similarly, here, the trial court found Davis intentionally undermined the
trial, and stated he voluntarily absented himself and "was removed from the
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No. 76806-9-1/12
courtroom due to his behavior." Although Davis made the statement "You can
hold your trial without me," he made it in an irate state, claiming he needed water
for medical reasons. As mentioned above, Washington law requires the court
indulge every reasonable presumption against waiver, which must be knowing
and voluntary to be effective. Neither his statements nor his misconduct
amounted to his voluntarily absenting himself. Thus, his absence from trial is
more properly categorized as one due to removal rather than waiver. We next
examine whether the court abused its discretion in removing Davis.
C. Removal
Davis contends the trial court erred by removing him from the courtroom
without first considering less severe alternatives. The State argues the trial court
was not required to do so. We agree with the State.
Trial judges facing disruptive defendants must be given sufficient
discretion to maintain order in their court. DeWeese, 117 Wash. 2d at 380. An
appellate court reviews a trial court's decision to remove a defendant for an
abuse of discretion. DeWeese, 117 Wash. 2d at 380. A trial court abuses its
discretion when its "decision is manifestly unreasonable, or is exercised on
untenable reasons, or for untenable reasons." Garza, 150 Wash. 2d at 366.
The Washington Supreme Court listed several guidelines to aid courts in
deciding whether to remove a defendant. State v. Chapple, 145 Wash. 2d 310, 320,
36 P.3d 576 (2001). First, a trial court should warn the defendant that continued
4 The trial court did so in its May 26, 2017 Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
Regarding Defendant Voluntarily Absenting Himself from Trial Due to His Disruptive Behavior.
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No. 76806-9-1/13
disruptions could lead to removal. Chapple, 145 Wash. 2d at 320. Second, the
defendant's obstreperous behavior must be severe enough to justify removal.
Chapple, 145 Wash. 2d at 320. Third, the Court stated a preference for the least
severe alternative that will prevent interferences with the trial. Chapple, 145
Wash. 2d at 320. Finally, if the defendant assures the court his or her conduct will
improve, he or she must be allowed to reclaim the right to be present. Chapple,
145 Wash. 2d at 320. These instructions "are not meant to be constraints on trial
court discretion, but rather to be relative to the exercise of that discretion such
that the defendant will be afforded a fair trial while maintaining the safety and
decorum of the proceedings." Chapple, 145 Wash. 2d at 320.
Davis bases his challenge on only the third factor, and argues the court
erred in completely removing him from trial without considering less severe
alternatives. Davis says that, because the record does not show he behaved
severely enough to warrant complete removal, the court should have instead
allowed him to watch the proceedings from a video monitor in another room,
allowed him to return to the trial sooner than the following day, or provided him
with transcripts of the proceedings for his closing argument.
Here, the trial court warned Davis he risked removal if he continued to
interrupt the proceedings. Nevertheless, Davis continued to act disruptively and
disregard court orders. The court tolerated much of Davis's inappropriate
behavior and finally removed him following an outburst in which Davis repeatedly
screamed, banged on the table, and used profanity in the courtroom. Davis
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No. 76806-9-1/14
yelled so loudly that proceedings in the courtroom across the hall recessed.
Such conduct warrants removal from the courtroom.
When considering the least severe alternative, the trial court can best
assess both the technological limitations of its courthouse and the defendant's
impending threat to disrupt the proceedings. Chapple, 145 Wash. 2d at 324. Here,
the record does not show the court considered having Davis attend trial in some
other way, such as through video monitoring. But this is not mandated. Because
there exists only a preference, as opposed to a requirement, for trial courts to
use the least severe means, nothing in the record shows the trial court did not act
within its discretion when removing Davis from the courtroom.
D. Right to Representation
Davis maintains, even if the trial court properly removed him, it violated his
Sixth Amendment right to representation by allowing the State to examine two of
its witnesses in his absence and not affording him an opportunity to cross-
examine the witnesses. Relying on DeWeese, the State contends Davis had
waived his right to counsel and the court had no obligation to reappoint counsel
or obtain a waiver from Davis of his right to representation.5 Washington cases
5 The State points to DeWeese to argue the trial court did not need to obtain a waiver of
the right to representation or appoint counsel after it removed the defendant. However, DeWeese
does not apply on this issue, as it involved very different facts. In DeWeese, the defendant
watched the State's examination of a witness from a television monitor in another room after the
court removed him for violating its rulings. 117 Wash. 2d at 373. The court then invited the
defendant to return to cross-examine the witness, but the defendant declined. DeWeese, 117
Wash. 2d at 374. The court warned the defendant of the consequences of absenting himself from
court, but the defendant continued to refuse to participate and asked to return to jail. DeWeese,
117 Wash. 2d at 374. The trial court allowed the State to present the remainder of its case in the
defendant's absence and proceeded to closing arguments after the defendant chose not to
return. DeWeese, 117 Wash. 2d at 374. Because the defendant voluntarily absented himself, the
Supreme Court upheld the trial court's decision not to appoint counsel for the defendant during
his absence. DeWeese, 117 Wash. 2d at 379.
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No. 76806-9-1/15
have not yet addressed the propriety of going forward with trial after a court
properly removes a self-represented defendant for disruptive behavior. After a
review of cases from other jurisdictions, we conclude that, in this case,
proceeding with trial in Davis's absence violated his Sixth Amendment right to
representation.
Appellate courts review de novo whether a trial court violated a
defendant's right to representation. State v. Jones, 168 Wash. 2d 713, 719, 230
P.3d 576 (2010). Several state appellate courts and the Ninth Circuit have
addressed legal questions similar to the one before us.
In People v. Carroll, the defendant chose to represent himself, but later
requested an attorney. 140 Cal. App. 3d 135, 137-38, 189 Cal.Rptr. 327(Ct. App.
1983). The court declined to appoint counsel and then removed the defendant
several times during the trial for mentioning his lack of representation in front of
the jury. Carroll, 140 Cal. App. 3d at 138-39. Specifically, the court removed the
defendant during portions of jury selection, his opening statement, and the
testimony of three witnesses. Carroll, 140 Cal. App. 3d at 139. For two of the
witnesses, the court gave the defendant an opportunity to cross-examine, but he.
declined. Carroll, 140 Cal. App. 3d at 139.
The California Court of Appeal held the court violated the defendant's
Sixth Amendment right when it "deprived him not only of his own presence, but of
legal representation." Carroll, 140 Cal. App. 3d at 140. As an alternative to
removal, the court noted the trial court could have appointed counsel, instituted
contempt proceedings, or restrained the defendant. Carroll, 140 Cal. App. 3d at
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141. The California Court of Appeal has since reaffirmed Carroll's holding. See
People v. Ramos,5 Cal.App.5th 897, 907 n.5, 210 Cal.Rptr.3d 242(Ct. App.
2016)(holding when a trial court removes a self-represented defendant, the
defendant is necessarily deprived of the Sixth Amendment right to representation
during the absence); People v. Soukomlane, 162 Cal. App. 4th 214, 75
Cal. Rptr. 3d 496 (Ct. App. 2008)(noting the court's removal of a defendant during
the direct examination of a state's witness violated the Sixth Amendment to
counsel). Other courts have come to the same conclusion. See People v. Cohn,
160'P.3d 336, 343(Colo. App 2007)(determining the court violated the pro se
defendant's right to counsel when it removed him during segments of his trial).
The Ninth Circuit addressed a similar issue in United States v. Mack,
where the trial court warned a disruptive defendant it would remove him and not
permit him to question witnesses if he continued his behavior. 362 F.3d 597, 599
(9th Cir. 2014). After the defendant's inappropriate behavior continued, the court
removed the defendant during his case. Mack, 362 F.3d at 599. Once the
defendant returned, the court did not allow him to continue to put on his defense.
Mack, 362 F.3d at 601. Instead, it halted the questioning of any witnesses and
did not allow closing argument by either side. Mack, 362 F.3d at 599. "In
practical effect,[the defendant] had been removed as his own counsel and
nobody stepped in to fill the gap." Mack, 362 F.3d at 601.
The Mack court acknowledged a trial court may properly remove a
disruptive defendant. Mack, 362 F.3d at 600. The court held, however, that
while a self-represented defendant's disorderly conduct may forfeit his or her
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No. 76806-9-1/17
right to represent themselves and the right to be present, he or she does not
forfeit the right to representation. Mack, 362 F.3d at 601.6 Though a court may
remove a defendant for disrupting trial, "leaving [a defendant] without
representation is still far from appropriate." Mack, 362 F.3d at 601. The court
stated a trial court commits structural error when it prevents a self-represented
defendant from cross-examining witnesses, even if the defendant was
contemptuous of the court. Mack, 362 F.3d at 601-603.
In Menefee, the Oregon Court of Appeals followed Mack. 268 Or. App. at
183. As discussed above, the trial court in Menefee characterized the removal of
the defendant as a voluntary absence because it found the defendant
intentionally acted disruptively to undermine the trial. See Menefee, 268 Or. App.
at 168. In the defendant's absence the State examined two witnesses.
Menefee, 268 Or. App. at 169. The Oregon Court reversed the defendant's
conviction, concluding the trial court violated the Sixth Amendment by failing to
6 We note proceeding with trial in Davis's absence would not have been error if he had
voluntarily absented himself. See DeWeese, 117 Wash. 2d at 379. Though DeWeese does not
address the effect of a voluntary absence on the right to representation, the issue was recently
before the Rhode Island Supreme Court. In State v. Eddy, a defendant dismissed his attorney
and chose to represent himself. 68 A.3d 1089,1092 (R.I. 2013). After the defendant then
dismissed two more attorneys whom the court appointed as standby counsel, the court denied
the defendant's request for appointed counsel on the morning of trial. Eddy,68 A.3d at 1092-96.
In response, the defendant told the court, "I don't want to be in the courtroom so the trial may
proceed in my absence.... I ask I be allowed to be removed from the courtroom during this
process because I don't want to cause a situation of a forced removal." Eddy,68 A.3d at 1096.
The court explained to the defendant he had a Sixth Amendment right to be present and, if he
waived that right, he would not be represented by counsel and would also be waiving his right to
cross-examination. Eddy,68 A.3d at 1097. The court allowed the defendant to leave after he
stated he understood the consequences and still did not want to attend. Eddy,68 A.3d at 1096-
97. The Rhode Island Supreme Court agreed the defendant knowingly and voluntarily waived
both his right to be present and right to representation, because he insisted on leaving trial after
the trial court explained all the rights he would be abandoning. Eddy,68 A.3d at 1103-04.
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No. 76806-9-1/18
appoint counsel or have the defendant waive his right to representation before
continuing without him. Menefee, 268 Or. App. at 185.
Shortly after Menefee, the Oregon Court of Appeals reaffirmed its holding
that removing a self-represented defendant from a courtroom without first
appointing an attorney violates the right to representation. See State v. Lacey,
282 Or. App. 123, 127, 385 P.3d 1151 (2016). There, the trial court warned the
defendant that, if he disrupted the trial, it would proceed in his absence. Lacey,
282 Or. App. at 125. The appellate court rejected the argument that disruptive
conduct, in light of such a warning, led to a proper waiver of the right to
representation. Lacey, 282 Or. App. at 130. It held instead that, to find a valid
waiver, the court should have informed the defendant of his ongoing right to
representation, even if removed for misconduct. Lacey, 282 Or. App. at 130.
Additionally, it ruled the trial court should have advised the defendant he could
have an attorney appointed to represent him during his absence. Lacey, 282 Or.
App. at 130. The court stated that, if the trial court cannot obtain a valid waiver,
"the court may have to appoint counsel for a defendant who previously elected to
proceed pro se, notwithstanding the awkwardness of doing so mid-trial." Lacey,
282 Or. App. at 126-27. The court explained its approach as one to protect the
structural integrity of the criminal justice system. Lacey, 282 Or. App. at 126.
"Where a criminal case is tried against a vacant defense table, the adversarial
process has broken down, and cannot ensure that the convictions rendered are
fair and reliable. Our system strives to be fair, even to those who... work the
hardest to undermine it." Lacey, 282 Or. App. at 126.
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Earlier this year, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania concluded a
defendant cannot forfeit his right to representation through misconduct.
Commonwealth v. Telada, 188 A.3d 1288, 1290-92, 2018 PA Super 145(2018).
In Te'ada, the trial court removed a self-represented defendant from trial after he
acted disruptively during jury selection. Te'ada, 188 A.3d at 1291. Following the
line of cases from California, the Ninth Circuit, and Oregon, the appellate court
held "the issue of removal is distinct from the right of representation by counsel,
and the related right of self-representation." Te'ada, 188 A.3d at 1293.
Concluding the defendant did not waive his right to representation, the court
reversed the conviction and remanded for a new trial. Te'ada, 188 A.3d at 1300.
In this case, Davis chose to represent himself and then behaved
obstreperously throughout the court proceedings. The court finally removed him
and allowed the State to examine Officers Antholt and Graf before recessing for
the day.' Davis went unrepresented during these testimonies and was not given
the opportunity to cross-examine the two officers. He did not knowingly and
voluntarily waive his right to representation and agree to have an empty defense
table while the State questioned two critical witnesses. This remains the case
despite his decision to represent himself. As reflected above, cases from other
7 We are mindful of the difficult situation posed by Davis's conduct, especially where
there was no directly applicable Washington case law. We note that trial courts can explore a
number of alternatives in such situations, including the following: engaging in a colloquy regarding
the right to representation, as the court did in Eddy, to see whether there is a waiver of the right to
representation; recessing, to give the defendant time to calm down (suggested in Menefee, 268
Or. App. at 185-86); having the defendant attend trial via video conference or providing the
defendant with a recording or transcript of the missed testimony and allowing the defendant the
opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses(proposed in Lacey, 282 Or. App. at 137(citing Cohn,
160 P.3d 343)); restraining defendant in the courtroom (allowed under Chapple, 145 Wash. 2d 310
at 315); or appointing the defendant counsel(advanced in Carroll, 140 Cal. App. 3d at 141).
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jurisdictions support this conclusion. We are unaware of authority supporting a
contrary result.
Accordingly, we conclude leaving Davis without representation at trial
violated his Sixth Amendment right to representation. Because this error is
structural, we remand for a new trial on counts 2 and 3. See Mack, 362 F.3d at
601-603; State v. Wise, 176 Wash. 2d 1, 14, 288 P.3d 1113(2012)("Structural
error... is not subject to harmlessness analysis.").8
Davis missed the testimony of Officers Antholt and Graf, who arrested and
searched Davis in relation to his February 11, 2014 arrest for possessing a stolen
Buick vehicle and crack cocaine (counts 2 and 3). These officers, however, did
not participate in Davis's January 23, 2014 arrest for possessing a stolen
Hyundai vehicle (count 1). Since Davis was only absent for testimony pertaining
to counts 2 and 3, we see no error and affirm as to count 1.
We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for a new trial.
c/......,
WE CONCUR:
8 Because we find the trial court committed only a single error, we reject Davis's
cumulative error argument.
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