What do you actually know about this proceeding? In Florida, a restitution hearing may be an equivalent to a sentencing "hearing" in other states, where the "hearing" is nothing other than the judge sentencing the guilty party.
This case was already decided....WITH an attorney.
Furthermore this was a juvenile case sentencing.
I’ll stay my opinion of the judge because I don’t know Florida law.
Don't need to be a FL Bar member to comment on FR. We could ping some, but why make a federal case of it.
The article makes it clear that he wanted an attorney, didn't understand the proceedings, but also notes
Pinellas-Pasco Public Defender Bob Dillinger (FL bar I'm sure) said he has never seen a juvenile represent himself during such a hearing
George Richards (FL bar), deputy chief of the juvenile division at the Hillsborough State Attorney's Office, said indigent youths are appointed an attorney unless they specifically decline one
Judy Estren (FL Bar), executive assistant public defender at the Pinellas-Pasco Public Defender's Office, said the co-defendant's attorney should have intervened. "I would have instructed my attorney to jump in."
The judge screwed up. Glad it was a little error.