In Re Conservatorship of Joel E.
San Joaquin County Public Conservator v. Joel E.
Opinion
Opinion
Butz, J.
In this case, we resolve the question of whether a prospective conservatee has the right to represent himself in proceedings to appoint a conservator. In so doing, we touch upon the greater issue of what rights must be afforded a proposed conservatee in civil commitment proceedings.
The San Joaquin County Public Conservator (the public conservator) filed a petition to appoint a conservator for objector Joel E. (Joel). Following a court hearing at which Joel was adjudged gravely disabled, he requested a jury trial on the conservatorship petition. (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 5350, subd. (d).) Prior to trial, Joel informed the trial court that he wished to represent himself. The court denied Joel’s request and a jury trial followed, at which he was again found gravely disabled.
On appeal, Joel argues he had both a constitutional right and a statutory right to represent himself in these proceedings. We conclude he had neither. Accordingly, we shall affirm the judgment.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
In April 2003, the public conservator filed a petition to appoint a conservator for Joel pursuant to section 5350 et seq., alleging he was gravely disabled. An investigation…