Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Bettis v. State

The trial court erred in summarily denying the defendant's constitutional right to self-representation without following the procedures contemplated by Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806 1975 and its progeny.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

A Richmond County jury found Roger Bettis guilty of two counts of aggravated assault OCGA § 16-5-21, and one count each of criminal attempt to commit rape OCGA § 16-4-1, kidnapping OCGA § 16-5-40, and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime OCGA § 16-11-106. He appeals from his convictions and the denial of his motion for new trial, contending 1 that the trial court erred in refusing to allow him to exercise his constitutional right to self-representation and 2 that his trial counsel was ineffective. For the reasons set forth below, we reverse.

Viewed in a light most favorable to the jury’s verdict,1 the evidence showed that on the evening of June 3, 2009, M. S. was beaten by an assailant while she was in the ladies’ room at MCG Hospital in Augusta. M. S., whose husband was a patient at the hospital, went to the restroom on the fourth floor and entered a stall. Shortly thereafter, a man came into the bathroom, entered an adjacent stall, and climbed over the top of the stall and began choking M. S. The next thing M. S. remembered was a man’s voice telling her that she was going to be okay.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Southeastern Legal Awards 2025
May 01, 2025
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
Complex Claims & Litigation Forum 2025
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards 2025
March 24, 2025
New York, NY

Recognizing innovation in the legal technology sector for working on precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Legal Counsel

Title: Legal Counsel Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) FLSA Status: Exempt, Full Time Supervisory Responsibility: N/A Location: Remo...


Apply Now ›
Associate Position

Blume Forte Fried Zerres and Molinari 1 Main Street Chatham, NJ 07945Prominent Morris County Law Firm with a state-wide personal injury prac...


Apply Now ›
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY DEFENSE LITIGATION

d Arcambal Ousley & Cuyler Burk, LLP, a well-established women-owned litigation firm, has an opening in our Parsippany, NJ office. We of...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs