People v. Lavin CA2/8

FACTS

A number of judicial officers presided over pretrial and trial proceedings in this case. Initially, defendant was self-represented. He conducted extensive cross- examination at his October 29, 2014 preliminary hearing, and filed numerous motions, most of which concerned his perception that his speedy trial rights were violated, and his right to discovery. His motions were often rambling and hard to decipher. Nevertheless, defendant generally conducted himself appropriately, and vigorously litigated his case. However, on December 31, 2014, the day defendant’s case was first scheduled for trial, defendant appeared to become frustrated by the court’s rulings on his discovery and speedy trial issues. He repeatedly interrupted the court, made inappropriate remarks before a panel of prospective jurors, and would not heed the court’s warnings that his in pro. per. privileges would be revoked if he did not conduct himself respectfully. When defendant continued to interrupt the proceedings, his in pro. per. status was revoked.

2 Defendant exploded into a litany of racist and foul language directed at the judge and prosecutor, and had to be removed from the courtroom. Counsel was…