PEOPLE v. LEAO

The court properly permitted defendant to represent himself. In response to defendant's unequivocal expression of his desire to proceedpro se, the court thoroughly warned him of the dangers and disadvantages of self-representation, thereby ensuring that defendant made a voluntary and intelligent waiver of his right to counsel (see, People v. Smith, 92 N.Y.2d 516). Defendant's lack of legal knowledge would not have been a proper basis upon which to deny him the right of self-representation (People v. Davis, 49 N.Y.2d 114, 120). We have considered and rejected defendant's remaining arguments.

THIS CONSTITUTES THE DECISION AND ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT, APPELLATE DIVISION, FIRST DEPARTMENT.