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Inmate claims he is denied laywer because he can’t get along with one

Justices on Maine’s highest court are skeptical about an appeal by a man who was stripped of his right to a lawyer because he couldn’t get along with five earlier ones

By David Sharp
Associated Press

AUGUSTA, Maine — Justices on Maine’s highest court are skeptical about an appeal by a man who was stripped of his right to a lawyer because he couldn’t get along with five earlier ones.

Supreme court Justice Donald Alexander expressed concern Wednesday about Joshua Nisbet “essentially playing a game with the system.” But Justice Andrew Mead was bothered by the idea that defendants with a “tendency to shoot their mouths off” can’t have a lawyer.

A trial judge ruled that Nisbet forfeited his right to an attorney because didn’t get along with five court-appointed lawyers.

Nisbet is serving seven years for robbery. He ended up handling his own defense with two standby attorneys.

His lawyer at Tuesday’s court proceeding was No. 8. She says she is able to work with him.

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