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Man Who Acted As Own Lawyer A Decade Ago Released On Bond

DETROIT (AP) -- A 28-year-old Flint man who acted as his own attorney at trial a decade ago and maintains he was wrongfully convicted has been released from prison.

WXYZ-TV reports that a U.S. District Court judge in Detroit released Omar Pouncy Monday on a personal bond pending a prosecutor's appeal of his overturned carjacking and armed robbery convictions.

Pouncy says he acted as his own attorney because a Genesee County judge would not let him hire a lawyer.

A federal judge found Pouncy's waiver of counsel was involuntary because he was forced to choose between an unprepared defense attorney and representing himself.

Pouncy told the television station that he "didn't have proper representation" during his trial.

Conditions of Pouncy's bond come with restrictions that include a curfew and electronic GPS tether.

 

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