Homeless man plans to defend himself – again, in Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN

The old adage says an attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client. Jayjuane Hardy, however, has decided to act as his own lawyer for the second time in municipal court.

The first time he tried it in May, a jury there found him not guilty of assault.

Since then, Hardy, whom records list as being homeless, has had plenty of time to practice his legal skills. After having a murder charge against him downgraded to aggravated assault in December, he has been arrested or cited six times.

Hardy, 43, had a pretrial hearing Tuesday before Judge Elizabeth Kobly in municipal court on charges of aggravated menacing and criminal trespass after he was arrested May 23 for an incident at the Downtown Circle on West Federal Street. That arrest came four days after he was found not guilty of the assault charge.

Hardy informed the judge he plans to act as his own counsel and he wants a jury trial. Judge Kobly said a trial by jury is his right as long as he files the proper motions. She asked Hardy if he knows how to cross examine witnesses or present exhibits. Hardy said he did.

“You do know the pitfalls for representing yourself?” the judge asked.

Read what he said and more about the case in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.