Adams

Statement of the Case

By amended information, defendant was charged with one count of “possession for purpose of sale [of] a controlled substance, to wit: rock cocaine, in violation of Section 11351.5 of the Health and Safety Code, . ." It was further alleged that defendant had suffered two prior convictions pursuant to section 11370.2 and had served two prior prison terms pursuant to Penal Code section 667.5, subdivision (b).

George Van Meter was appointed as defendant’s counsel on September 6, 1988, at which time defendant was arraigned on the original information and he pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations.

Defendant’s motion, made on October 7, 1988, to have Mr. Van Meter relieved as counsel was denied.

On October 17, 1988, defendant appeared with Mr. Van Meter for trial and again asked that Mr. Van Meter be relieved as counsel. The motion was again denied. At this point defendant moved to represent himself and requested a continuance as part of that motion. Both requests were denied and the trial was trailed to October 19.

Defendant’s renewed motion to proceed in propria persona on October 19 was also denied. Defendant’s motion to bifurcate the trial of…