Robert Simpson - Cook County State's Attorney

defendant still wished to give up his right to an attorney. (R. 56) Defendant stated that he did. (R.56) The trial court inquired as to defendant's level of education and whether he would have anyproblem researching the law. (R. 56-57) Defendant replied that he believed he was competent andthat he was ready for trial. (R. 57) The trial court asked whether defendant wished to representhimself, and defendant replied that he did, further stating that he wanted a jury trial and a date. (R.57) Accordingly, the trial court appointed Assistant Public Defender Rago as standby counselpursuant to People v. Myles, supra, and advised defendant that he could consult with him. 2 (R. 57)The trial court stated its belief that defendant understood his rights under the law and thepenalties involved. (R. 57) Defendant confirmed that he understood what he was giving up. (R. 57)The trial court then expressed its belief that defendant had freely and voluntarily entered into hisdecision, and defendant confirmed that this was true. (R. 58) Defendant stated, however, that hewas "forced" into proceeding pro se because no one was taking the time to inform him of "what wasgoing on." This way, defendant stated, he would know what was going on and, accordingly,demanded a trial date. The trial court stated that it was simply attempting to determine whetherdefendant's decision to represent himself was, in fact, his decision and again asked whether he wishedto represent himself. Defendant replied that he did. The trial court found that defendant's decisionwas freely and voluntarily entered into, and, accordingly, allowed defendant to exercise his right ofself-representation. (R. 61)The case was continued to the following day, at which time the trial court again inquiredwhether defendant still wished to represent himself. (R. 89) The trial court advised defendant to2 On a subsequent court date, at defendant's request and in order to facilitate discovery, the trial court entered an orderdirecting Mr. Rago and the Public Defender's Office to act as investigators on defendant's behalf, provided that defendant'srequests were not unreasonable. (R. 211)7