Thread by @MacFarlaneNews

Another Jan 6 defendant is seeking to serve as his own lawyer. Hearing in 10 minutes.

Standby ......

And it's a particularly high-profile defendant. Alan Hostetter of California. Per charging documents, Hostetter led the American Phoenix Project and used it to support Trump, protest 2020 election, "advocate violence" against certain groups

As I reported earlier this week, Hostetter's defense filed a motion on Columbus Day saying he's invoking his right to proceed with "self-representation"

Let's see how this goes at 12:30p

Keeping in mind, the feds have charged Hostetter with *conspiracy* and accused him of planning for Jan 6 weeks in advance, including sending message to others, "I hope you can join me"

Judge starts off by warning "how foolish that is" for Hostetter to serve as his own defense lawyer.

Judge will now ask Hostetter a series of questions

Judge Lamberth says he warns defendants, "If you represent yourself, you have a fool for a client"

Judge is recounting his prior cases in which defendants served as their own lawyers, "I've never seen a pro se defendant succeed"

"I would never represent myself if I was charged with a crime..... but I'm not gonna deny you the right"

Hostetter says finances are a factor. He says he has good relationship with his defense lawyer.. and would want her as "informal" advisor.. on standby.

Hostetter says his only legal experience was as a police officer in southern California for 24 years..

Hostetter says he has a masters degree and academy training. Judge asks if Hostetter has ever been part of a criminal case. Hostetter says "no"

Judge warns that Hostetter faces maximum of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy charge. And then warns Hostetter faces other charges and penalties too

Judge: "I think it is unwise for you to defend yourself... even though you've been a police officer... I strongly urge you not to defend yourself"

Hostetter ain't budging. He wants to defend himself and says it's a "voluntary" decision

Hostetter says the Jan 6 investigation is "corrupt" and that it'll "become clear" to the public why he's chosen this course of action

Hostetter says there's been some "significant" disagreements with prior defense lawyer, but says the relationship is good... and would like an "advisory counsel" appointed by the court

Hostetter says one of the reasons he's seeking to defend himself is "financial" and says the feds try to "bankrupt" defendants as a strategy

Judge is going to allow Hostetter to defend himself. This was already a high-level, high-profile case. (Former police, conspiracy charge, alleged plotting ahead of Jan 6) ... but this will now be a particularly distinctive and unique case