Defendant Shocked in Court Could Get Retrial
- Share via
A defendant who endured a 50,000-volt jolt for interrupting a Long Beach judge was ordered to return to court Oct. 23 for a hearing to determine if he should receive a new trial.
The motion seeking a retrial for Ronnie Hawkins, 48, contends that he did not receive a fair trial the first time because he was acting as his own attorney, and therefore had inadequate representation.
Hawkins was convicted of stealing $265 worth of over-the-counter painkillers.
At his sentencing hearing June 30, Municipal Judge Joan Comparet-Cassani ordered a bailiff to activate a stun belt to stop Hawkins’ repeated interruptions.
Hawkins twice had been removed for disrupting court proceedings during a three-strikes trial in April.
On Friday, Superior Court Judge Arthur Jean postponed a hearing on a new trial and berated defense lawyers for the late filing of a motion requesting it. Jean had set a deadline of Sept. 18 for the motion. He said he received it by fax on Thursday, nearly a week late.
If Jean rejects the motion after the Oct. 23 hearing, Hawkins faces a sentence of 25 years to life.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
