Retrial Set for Defendant Shocked With Stun Belt
The retrial of man suspected of burglary who got a court-ordered stun belt shock for speaking out of turn is set for Dec. 24.
On June 30, just before he was to be sentenced for commercial burglary and petty theft, Ronnie Hawkins became the first Los Angeles County defendant to receive a jolt from an electronic security belt.
Judge Joan Camparet-Cassani ordered bailiffs to administer the 50,000-volt, low-amperage jolt because Hawkins, a third-strike defendant representing himself, had repeatedly interrupted her.
Last month, Judge Arthur Jean granted Hawkins, 48, a new trial, but denied his request to represent himself again. A lawyer has been assigned to his case.
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