People v. Turner CA1/3

BACKGROUND

In December 2020, the district attorney charged Turner with driving or taking away a vehicle without consent (Veh. Code, § 10851, subd. (a)); receiving stolen property (§ 496d, subd. (a)); and a variety of prior offense allegations (§§ 666.5, 667, subds. (d)–(e)). At an August 2023 hearing, Turner made concurrent motions to represent himself (Faretta v. California (1975) 422 U.S. 806, 834) and to relieve counsel (People v. Marsden (1970) 2 Cal.3d 118). In response to the trial court’s questions about the risks of representing

1 oneself, Turner expressed an understanding of the gravity of the charges and possible sentences, and he noted he would seek and review discovery. But the court expressed concerns as to his competence to stand trial after he made unclear statements about having legal training, that he had “false” records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation about him, and that he was his “own corporation,” making him “solvent” and “immune” from his charges. When the court explained the need for an independent assessment of competence by mental health professionals, Turner objected. The following day, the trial court denied Turner’s Marsden motion, finding no…