State v. George

414 P.2d 730, 100 Ariz. 350, 1966 Ariz. LEXIS 256
CourtArizona Supreme Court
DecidedMay 25, 1966
Docket1518
StatusPublished
Cited by12 cases

This text of 414 P.2d 730 (State v. George) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering Arizona Supreme Court primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
State v. George, 414 P.2d 730, 100 Ariz. 350, 1966 Ariz. LEXIS 256 (Ark. 1966).

Opinion

UDALL, Justice.

Appellants, Charles W. George and Raymond W. Sargeant, hereinafter referred to as defendants, were tried and convicted of one count of robbery, two counts of first degree burglary, and wearing a mask to escape detection under applicable state statutes. From the verdict, judgment and sentence to the Arizona State Prison and from the denial of their motion for new trial, defendants appeal to this Court.

Counsel for the defendants stated, with respect to defendant Raymond W. Sargeant, that he has searched the record, including the transcript of testimony, and has been unable to find reversible error upon which an appeal may be taken. We have examined the record and transcript of testimony and find no error in regard to defendant Sargeant.

Therefore, the remainder of this decision pertains fo defendant George, who presents a single question for review, to wit: whether the trial court abused its discretion by refusing him a continuance or new trial.

On February 8, 1964, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis A. Bell returned to their home in Tucson. They found the window in a sliding glass door broken and certain items had been taken from the premises.

On February 9, 1964, at approximately four A. M., the Bells were awakened by three persons who were wearing ladies stockings over their heads. The intruders were armed with pistols and asked for the receipts from the auction which the victims conducted every Friday evening. At first, the Bells denied the receipts were in the house stating that since the residence had been broken into the previous night they did not bring the money home.

There was testimony that one of the three perpetrators then said: “We know all about that last business.” Thereafter, one of them went to the window and remarked: “Look, they haven’t got the window fixed yet.”

*353 After searching for the money for a period of time, Mrs. Bell disclosed where the money was hidden. Other items, including a mink stole, contents of a strong box, and a wallet containing a driver’s license and credit cards were taken.

The victims, after being shown certain pictures by the police department, identified the defendants as the persons involved in the crime. The defendants after being arrested were also identified by the Bells at the police station.

The police department, with proper warrants, proceeded to arrest the defendants where they were residing in Tucson. Many of the items taken from the Bell residence were found at the place of arrest and discovered in the bedrooms of both defendants.

At the preliminary hearing, defendant George was represented by an attorney and defendant Sargeant was represented by another attorney. It was mutually understood that George’s attorney would only represent him at the preliminary hearing. Thereafter, an arrangement was made whereby one attorney would represent both defendants.

The above facts are undisputed and the alleged error occurred thereafter. Defendant contends that he asked his attorney to arrange for him to have another attorney appointed three days before trial because he believed there would be a conflict of interest at the trial. Defendant’s attorney states that the request to withdraw was made in the morning of the trial. In either event, the trial judge was not informed of the defendant’s request until the state had almost completed its case.

The trial court considered defendant’s motion outside the presence of the jury and denied said motion, stating it was made too late and further that it was the opinion of the court that defendant’s attorney had conducted a competent defense and found no conflict of interest.

Although the right to assistance of counsel in certain phases of a criminal prosecution is fundamental to due process of law, State v. Anderson, 96 Ariz. 123, 392 P.2d 784; Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335, 83 S.Ct. 792, 9 L.Ed.2d 799, the exercise of that right is subject to the requirements of sound judicial administration. State v. Beatty, 94 Ariz. 104, 382 P.2d 220.

As to the trial court granting a continuance, we stated in Everett v. State, 88 Ariz. 293, 295, 356 P.2d 394, 395 quoting from Hunter v. State, 43 Ariz. 269, 271, 30 P.2d 499, that:

“ ‘Continuances are, to a great extent, discretionary with the trial court, and an appellate tribunal will not review its action in this respect unless it clearly appears that the. discretion has been abused.’ ”

*354 See also, State v. Wallace, 98 Ariz. 243, 403 P.2d 550; State v. Cassady, 67 Ariz. 48, 190 P.2d 501.; Ariz.R.Crim.P., Rule 241, 17 A.R.S.

In State v. Beatty, supra, the defendant on the day of the trial asked for a continuance to afford him an opportunity to procure other counsel. ’This Court af-' firmed the trial court’s denial of the continuance motion and found no abuse of discretion under the facts of that case.

In State v. Graninger, 87 Ariz. 152, 348 P.2d 921, the appellant alleged he had been required to stand trial without counsel of his choice. In that case two attorneys were appointed and one became ill on the date of the trial, and the trial court directed the other attorney to proceed with the matter. We said:

“Even if it be assumed that defendant was represented by counsel not of his-own choosing, it clearly is evident that he was fully accorded his constitutional right to representation by counsel, and that it would not have been reversible '. error had the trial court refused to accede to the personal desires of defendant-in the matter.”

The proceedings in the instant case demonstrate that defendant was adequately represented by counsel which he employed • to handle his case. ' Defendant was arraigned on.March-’31, 1964 and the trial commenced on May 26, 1964. During this'period-the same attorney served both defendants and no complaint was lodged with the court. Defendant did not ask for a separate trial-pursuant to Ariz.R.Crim.P., Rule 254/ 17-A.R.S., until the trial was almost completed.

Likewise, defendant did not bring to the attention of the trial judge that he was dissatisfied with his attorney prior to this time. It is noted that counsel was not appointed by the court in this case, but was selected by the defendant. Defendant had a right to discharge his attorney, with the court’s approval,, at any time prior-to the trial and hire other counsel. This docs not mean, however, that defendant can wait until the prosecution presents its-case and immediately dismiss his counsel and obtain a continuance. Such a rule; would be disruptive of the court’s business, delay justice and invite error. United States v. Mitchell, 138 F.2d 831 (2nd Cir.

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Bluebook (online)
414 P.2d 730, 100 Ariz. 350, 1966 Ariz. LEXIS 256, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/state-v-george-ariz-1966.