In Re the People of the State of Colorado v. Bruce J. Nozolino

Summary

The court exercised original jurisdiction and held that the trial court abused its discretion by disqualifying the Public Defender’s Office from representing Nozolino in the homicide case. The record did not establish a direct conflict involving his attorneys or show that disqualification was the only effective remedy, and any potential conflict could be waived after informed advisement. The court remanded for an independent-counsel advisement and a determination whether Nozolino voluntarily, knowingly, and intelligently waives conflict-free representation.