Mayfield v. Delaware
Annotate this CaseAppellant Kili Mayfield was convicted at a bench trial for two counts of first-degree rape, four counts of second-degree rape, one count of first-degree kidnapping, one count of strangulation, and one counts of third-degree assault. In pre-trial proceedings, he was initially represented by counsel from the Public Defender Division of the Office of Defense Services. Several months before trial, Mayfield filed a motion indicating he wished to waive his right to counsel and proceed pro se. The Superior Court held a hearing and granted the motion. On appeal, Mayfield did not dispute that the Superior Court did not err in granting his motion to waive counsel and proceed pro se. At a conference held the day before his scheduled trial date, however, Mayfield informed the trial judge for the first time that he had decided that representing himself was not in his best interest. He requested time to retain private counsel. In the alternative, he requested that the Public Defender’s Office be reappointed to represent him at trial. After fully considering Mayfield’s requests, the judge determined that trial should go forward as scheduled the next day, that a continuance should be denied, and that his request for counsel should, therefore, be denied. The judge noted that Mayfield had been "vigorous" in his own defense, his filings showing he had "gone through all the discovery materials and prepared himself." The court concluded, “Mayfield’s request and the basis for his request are not outweighed by the other prejudice that would be visited by a continuance.” Mayfield’s bench trial began as scheduled the next day and resulted in the aforementioned convictions. The Delaware Supreme Court affirmed, finding the Superior Court acted within its discretion when it denied Mayfield’s request for counsel and a continuance.
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