United States v. Gonzalez-Lopez, 548 U.S. 140 (2006)
Primary Holding
A criminal defendant has a constitutional right to the counsel of their choice, and an erroneous deprivation of that right requires reversal of a conviction.
In the case of United States v. Gonzalez-Lopez, a man named Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez-Lopez wanted to hire a specific lawyer to defend him in a serious criminal case, but the court wrongly prevented that lawyer from representing him. This case is important because it confirms that people have the right to choose their own lawyer, and if that right is taken away without good reason, it can lead to a reversal of a conviction, meaning the case might be thrown out. This ruling is relevant for anyone facing criminal charges, as it protects their ability to select a lawyer they trust to defend them.
AI-generated plain-language summary to help you understand this case
In the case of United States v. Gonzalez-Lopez, Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez-Lopez was charged in the Eastern District of Missouri with conspiracy to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana. Initially, his family hired attorney John Fahle to represent him. After the arraignment, Gonzalez-Lopez sought the representation of California attorney Joseph Low, who traveled to Missouri to meet with him. Low participated in an evidentiary hearing alongside Fahle but had his provisional entry revoked by the Magistrate Judge for violating a court rule regarding cross-examination. Subsequently, Gonzalez-Lopez expressed his desire for Low to be his sole attorney, prompting Low to file a motion for admission pro hac vice, which the District Court denied without explanation. A second application was similarly denied, and Low's appeal was dismissed by the Eighth Circuit. The procedural history of the case involved multiple motions and hearings concerning Low's representation. After the District Court granted Fahle's motion to withdraw as counsel, Gonzalez-Lopez retained local attorney Karl Dickhaus for the trial. Throughout the trial, Low's attempts to be present at counsel table were denied, and he was ordered to sit in the audience, prohibited from communicating with Dickhaus. This arrangement severely limited Gonzalez-Lopez's ability to consult with Low, who was unable to meet with him except once on the final night of the trial. Ultimately, the jury found Gonzalez-Lopez guilty. The background context reveals that the District Court's decisions regarding Low's admission were influenced by a prior violation of professional conduct rules, specifically Rule 4–4.2, which prohibits communication with a represented party without the consent of their attorney. This rule was cited as the basis for denying Low's motions for admission and for the sanctions imposed against him after the trial. The case raises significant questions about a defendant's right to choose their counsel and the implications of being denied that choice.
Whether a trial court’s erroneous deprivation of a criminal defendant’s choice of counsel entitles him to a reversal of his conviction.
The judgment is reversed.
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Decision Date
- April 18, 2006
- Jurisdiction
- federal
- Case Type
- landmark
- Majority Author
- Scalia
- Damages Awarded
- N/A
- Data Quality
- high
Gonzalez v. United States, 553 U.S. 242 (2008)
Consumer WonPetitioner’s counsel has the authority to consent to a magistrate judge presiding over voir dire and jury selection in a felony criminal trial, and the defendant's personal consent is not required.
Schriro v. Landrigan, 550 U.S. 465 (2007)
Consumer LostThe decision to grant an evidentiary hearing in federal habeas relief cases rests within the discretion of the district court, and such a hearing is not warranted if the applicant cannot make out a colorable claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.
Rothgery v. Gillespie County, 554 U.S. 191 (2008)
Consumer WonThe right to counsel guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment attaches at the first appearance before a judicial officer where a defendant is informed of the formal accusation against him, but it does not require that a public prosecutor be aware of or involved in that initial proceeding.
Wright v. Van Patten, 552 U.S. 120 (2008)
Consumer LostThe Supreme Court held that a defendant's Sixth Amendment right to counsel is not violated when the attorney participates in a plea hearing via speaker phone, provided that the defendant is able to communicate effectively with the attorney and there is no indication of deficient performance or prejudice.