Marshall v. State
Annotate this CaseAt issue in this case was when "meaningful trial proceedings" begin for purposes of Md. Rule 4-215(e) regarding a defendant's request to discharge counsel. Defendant in this case requested to discharge counsel preceding voir dire the morning before trial. After roll call of the jury was taken, the judge excused the venire panel and allowed Petitioner to discharge counsel and proceed pro se. Defendant was tried and convicted. The court of special appeals affirmed, holding that, because meaningful trial proceedings had begun, Rule 4-215(e) did not apply to Defendant's request to discharge counsel. Therefore, the court of special appeals reviewed the trial judge's decision for abuse of discretion, finding none. The Court of Appeals affirmed, holding (1) the court of special appeals correctly held that once the venire panel was summoned to the courtroom, meaningful trial proceedings had begun; and (2) therefore, the court of appeals did not err in holding Rule 4-215(e) did not apply to Defendant's request to discharge his counsel.
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