State of Minnesota v. Anthony Lee Prellwitz

Syllabus

In this direct appeal, appellant Anthony Lee Prellwitz challenges his convictions in two cases following two jury trials: a conviction for possession of a controlled substance in file number 84-CR-21-500 (the drug-possession case) and convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an altered serial number in file number 84-CR-22-270 (the gun case). Prellwitz argues that his drug-possession conviction must be reversed because he was denied his constitutional right to a speedy trial. He contends that his convictions in the gun case must be reversed because he did not validly waive counsel in that matter. In a pro se supplemental brief, Prellwitz raises several additional challenges to his convictions. Because there was no speedy-trial violation and the issues in Prellwitz's pro se supplemental brief do not warrant relief, we affirm Prellwitz's drug-possession conviction. But because Prellwitz did not waive his right to be represented by counsel in the gun case, we reverse his convictions in that case and remand.