Judge won’t appoint lawyer in Santa Rosa armed robbery trial

Jimmy Lee Terry’s midtrial request for counsel came too late, after testimony started, the judge said.|
PAUL PAYNE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A judge ruled Tuesday she will not appoint a lawyer for an Oakland man on trial in the attempted robbery of a Santa Rosa jewelry store in 2015.

Judge Dana Simonds rejected the request from Jimmy Lee Terry, 45, who announced earlier this year he would represent himself, but changed his mind after testimony began Monday.

Simonds cited case law that a midtrial change would lead to delays and be too disruptive. Prosecutors argued it would force traumatized witnesses to testify twice.

Terry, a previously convicted felon, said he had a change of heart after talking to family and friends.

He faces life in prison if convicted of trying to rob Bennett Valley Jewelers of Rolex watches. The heist was interrupted by the store’s co-owner, who emerged from a back room and shot at Terry and his accomplice, Johnny Douglas, also of the East Bay.

Douglas was sentenced to 11 years in prison after he was convicted in a separate trial.

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