When a defendant makes an "unequivocal" request for self-representation, the court must, under Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 835-836 (1975), permit self-representation upon finding that the defendant has knowingly and voluntarily waived the right to counsel with "eyes open." The question presented is whether, when assessing whether the self-representation request is unequivocal, does a court assess only the plain language of the self-representation request, or must the court also determine whether, given the entire record, it appears that the defendant sincerely desires self-representation?

Whether a court must assess only the plain language of a defendant's self-representation request or also determine whether the defendant sincerely desires self-representation