Motion to Withdraw As Counsel Because the Client Spoke With Reporters

In People v. Sanchez (1995) 12 Cal.4th 1, the defendant repeatedly spoke with reporters against the advice of his attorneys, and admitted his guilt to those reporters. His attorneys filed a motion to withdraw on two separate occasions based on appellant's disregard of their advice. The trial court denied both motions. In upholding the trial court's decisions, the Supreme Court noted that the defendant's problems would continue with other attorneys, because he had an unwavering desire to admit his guilt and to atone. The Court believed that the defendant's disregard of his attorneys' advice reflected this desire, and not a mistrust of his attorneys. ( Id. at p. 37.)