York

Charles Luther York was found guilty by a jury of violating section 4531 of the Penal Code which makes it a crime for a prisoner committed to a state prison to escape while at work away from a prison under custody of prison officers, officials or employees.

At the trial appellant was represented by counsel of his own choosing. The appellant made a motion that his counsel be dismissed two days after the jury brought in its verdict finding appellant guilty as charged. Counsel concurred in the request. Appellant then moved that new counsel be appointed by the court. The court ordered defense counsel relieved and instructed the appellant that he would have to obtain his own attorney. Appellant elected to proceed in propria persona. Appellant then waived a presentence report and the statutory time for sentencing. The court thereupon adjudged the appellant guilty of violation of section 4531 of the Penal Code as charged and sentenced him to state prison for the term prescribed by law.

Appellant filed a notice of appeal in propria persona and has filed a lengthy brief in which he urges a number of grounds for a reversal of the judgment. Before discussing appellant’s contentions, we…