After Val Thomas was convicted of assault, criminal mischief and resisting arrest, he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison and given five years of post-release supervision.
On appeal, Thomas claimed the County Court of Ulster County had wrongfully denied him the right to be self-represented at trial.
While his request to act as his own counsel was timely made, the Appellate Division, Third Department, thought Thomas's mental state rendered him incapable of making an informed decision.
He initially chose to proceed pro se because his assigned attorney wouldn't acknowledge him as the "legitimate King of the United States," or as "Almighty God." (Moreover, Thomas believed he was immune from criminal liability due to a treaty known as "The General Agreement to End World War III.")
The AD3 also noted that the three people Thomas wanted as "standby counsel"--Hillary Clinton, Sandra Day O'Connor, and Nevada State District Judge Jacqueline Glass--were otherwise engaged.
Nothing wrong with reaching for the stars.
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: People v. Thomas