A carjacking defendant said he might want to represent himself after his attorney withdrew from the case before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on July 7.
Deangelo Williams, 34, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in the unlawful and forceful seizure of a moped on the 1900 block of 9th Street, NW, on May 18.
At the hearing, Williams explained that he had compatibility issues with his attorney, Russell Hairston. Citing the impasse, Williams prompted the withdrawal, and Judge Hertzfeld granted Hairston’s motion for new counsel.
“I don’t like that he got me to waive my preliminary hearing,” said Williams. According to court records, Williams waived his right to a preliminary hearing on May 28 that would have determined if probable cause existed for the charge against him.
Judge Hertzfeld asked Williams if he had other representation in mind. Williams replied that he preferred “Holt” or “Anita Woods.”
Williams also said he might want to continue “pro se,” or represent himself.
“I always wanted to be a lawyer,” he explained.
Judge Hertzfeld will discuss Williams’ desire to represent himself at a later date and at this point she would look into appointing him new counsel.
In addition, Judge Hertzfeld explained to Williams that changing his lawyer will not change the possibility of a plea offer, and it will “blow [his] 100 day right to a speedy trial.”
Under the Sixth Amendment, Williams is protected from prolonged incarceration and must have a trial within 100 days of when charges were first filed, on May 19.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 16.
