Hardin

The question in this case is whether appellant, who pleaded guilty to a charge of violation of section 32 of the Penal Code and who was sentenced to the state prison, had validly waived the right to counsel. The information filed against appellant charged that defendant “on or about June 12, 1961, at Pittsburg in Contra Costa County, State of California, did then and there unlawfully and wilfully and feloniously and with knowledge that the crime of burglary, a felony, was committed by Rodney Crismore, did harbor, conceal and aid said Rodney Crismore, with the intent that said Rodney Crismore should avoid and escape from arrest, trial, conviction and punishment for said felony."

On July 17, 1961, appellant appeared in the superior court, before another judge than the one who later sentenced him, for arraignment. The district attorney informed the judge that appellant was 18 years of age and that his parents were in court. The court asked them to come forward but only one, the mother, was interrogated and responded. The following is a transcription of the proceedings: “Mr. Walker: No. 7539, People of the State of California against Elvis Jackson Hardin. This is the time and place…