Martinez v. Court of Appeal of California
United States Supreme Court
528 U.S. 152 (2000)
Relevant factsFree
Martinez (plaintiff), charged with embezzlement, represented himself at trial and was convicted; when he then tried to represent himself again on direct appeal, the court of appeals denied his request and required him to be represented by counsel. Martinez challenged that ruling, and the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari.
IssueFree
Whether a state is constitutionally obligated to recognize a right to self-representation on direct appeal from a criminal conviction.