People v. Wilkins CA1/1

I. BACKGROUND

Defendant was charged in an information, filed February 19, 2009, with three counts of second degree robbery (Pen. Code, § 211), seven counts of false imprisonment by violence (Pen. Code, § 236), and criminal threats (Pen. Code, § 422). As to each robbery and false imprisonment count, the information alleged defendant’s use of a firearm (Pen. Code, §§ 12022.5, subd. (a), 12022.53, subd. (b)), as well as a series of prior convictions and prior prison terms. A second information, filed July 22, 2009, charged four additional counts of second degree robbery and alleged the same prior convictions and prior prison terms. The two cases were consolidated, and defendant proceeded to jury trial in October 2012. On evidence he had participated in two separate bank robberies in August 2006 and January 2007, defendant was convicted on all counts, but the jury rejected the allegation of firearm use.1 He was sentenced to a term of 100 years to life imprisonment.

II. DISCUSSION

Defendant contends the trial court erred in (1) finding him competent to stand trial, (2) denying a motion to represent himself at trial, and (3) denying various motions for substitution of appointed…