People v. Carter

Summary

The California Supreme Court held that the trial court conducted an inadequate inquiry into Carter's request for substitute counsel because it evaluated counsel's past performance without determining whether a conflict would prevent counsel from investigating or litigating Carter's motion to dismiss. The court also held that the trial court erred by requiring Carter to pursue that distinct motion without the assistance of counsel. It conditionally reversed and remanded for a renewed conflict inquiry, counsel's evaluation of the dismissal motion, and further proceedings addressing any resulting prejudice.