WAUKESHA, WI (WSAU) — Darrell Brooks is going to go it alone.
A Waukesha County judge granted his request to fire his attorney on Wednesday, adding that he will not be allowed to keep legal counsel on the sidelines as well.
“He is making a deliberate choice today to waive his right to an attorney and proceed without counsel,” Judge Jennifer Dorow announced. “It is this court’s opinion and finding today that Mr. Brooks understands with reasonable accuracy and is aware of the difficulties and disadvantages of self-representation, the seriousness of the charges against him as well as the general range of penalties.”
Dorow added that she has warned Brooks about what he’s getting into. She also told Brooks that it’s unlikely she will honor a request for an attorney if he askes for one after the trial begins.
Brooks reportedly told the judge that his decision is not a tactic to delay or stall the trial, which is set to begin on Monday.
He’s accused of driving his SUV into the Waukesha Christmas Parade route last November, which resulted in six deaths and dozens of injuries. He faces one count of homicide for each death along with numerous other counts. If found guilty on the homicide charges alone he would be sentenced to life in prison with only the possibility of parole to be considered.
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