STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA v. ERIC RAMOND CHAMBERS (2025)

In his remaining arguments, Defendant contends the trial court failed to acknowledge his request to withdraw his waiver of counsel (as he had chosen to represent himself at trial) and to admit evidence that another person had confessed to the murder. We disagree.

Regarding his “request” to withdraw his waiver, Defendant points to a comment he made after jury selection that he needed a lawyer. We conclude his statement failed to meet a defendant's burden of clearly and directly informing the trial court of his desire to withdraw his waiver and for an appointed counsel. See, e.g., State v. Hyatt, 132 N.C. App. 697 (1999). The record, otherwise, shows that Defendant expressed that it was his “intention to continue representing [him]self.”

Regarding the “confession” hearsay evidence, for the reasoning in the State's brief on appeal, we conclude the trial court did not commit reversible error in not allowing Defendant to present the evidence.

We conclude Defendant received a fair trial, free of reversible error.

NO ERROR.

Report per Rule 30(e).

PER CURIAM.