A Massachusetts man awaiting his third trial on a murder charge has pleaded not guilty to charges he slapped his lawyer in the face in open court.
Authorities said 35-year-old Janleer Povez of Worcester hit his appointed lawyer, Elliot Levine, at a June hearing. Povez had said he didn't want Levine as his lawyer.
He is facing a second-degree murder charge for allegedly stabbing a Westborough man during a drug deal in 2008.
Povez was removed from the courtroom following the alleged outburst and the judge declared a mistrial. Levine suffered a fat lip.
Telegram & Gazette reports Povez told a judge Thursday he wants to represent himself on all of the charges against him except the second-degree murder charge. Povez's cases were continued to Jan. 6
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Slapping His Lawyer in Court
Authorities said 35-year-old Janleer Povez of Worcester hit his appointed lawyer, Elliot Levine, at a June hearing
Copyright AP - Associated Press