People v. Howard

Summary

The New York Appellate Division, Fourth Department unanimously affirmed a judgment convicting Mounir L. Howard of attempted assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. The court held that Howard withdrew or abandoned his request to proceed pro se and rejected his claim that the sentence was unduly harsh or severe.

Holdings

1. County Court did not deny defendant the right to self-representation because defendant withdrew or abandoned his initial request to proceed pro se before counsel was assigned.
2. The sentence was not unduly harsh or severe.

Questions Presented

1. Whether County Court denied defendant the right to represent himself by appointing counsel after defendant initially indicated that he wanted to proceed pro se.
2. Whether defendant's sentence was unduly harsh or severe.

Disposition

affirmed