Man repeatedly declines attorney in meth case

Ronald Hopkins may not have a future political career – he wants to save taxpayer money.

When asked by a Cheyenne County judge last week why he didn’t want an attorney as he was arraigned on a felony drug possession charge, Hopkins said it was because he wanted to take responsibility for his actions and not waste time or money.

Hopkins, wearing an orange jumpsuit and hand and ankle restraints, was escorted by a sheriff’s deputy into Cheyenne County District Court last Wednesday for the hearing. He sat at the defendant’s table near the front of the court, in a chair occupied in almost every other case by an attorney.

District Court Judge Derek Weimer began the proceedings. He told the 43-year-old man from Sterling, Colo., that as a criminal defendant, he had a series of rights. The most critical right, the judge said, was to have an attorney.

Weimer asked if he wanted legal representation.

Hopkins, with a medium build, short hair and a mustache, declined the offer – as he did numerous times throughout the proceeding. And he replied – as he did time and time again – that he was guilty.

Weimer asked if Hopkins understood the court would appoint an attorney if he couldn’t afford one.

“Yes,” the defendant replied to the judge. “And I believe you are a fair man, and I believe in the court system. Why waste taxpayers time and money on something I’m guilty for?”

The judge then explained the numerous rights Hopkins would be giving up by entering a plea – including a right to a trial and cross examination of witnesses.

At any point in the process, Weimer said, Hopkins could ask for a lawyer.

“I’m going to ask you one more time,” the judge said before being interrupted by the defendant.

“I plead guilty,” Hopkins said.

Looking up, Weimer responded, “I’m not asking for your plea. You have the right to an attorney. Do you want an attorney?”

“No,” Hopkins said.

Weimer then asked how Hopkins wished to plead.

“I’m guilty,” he said.

After a sentencing date was set for six days out, Hopkins again interrupted the judge.

“Can’t we just do it today?” he asked.

Weimer said he didn’t know anything about the defendant and wanted an opportunity to review his past before issuing a sentence.

Before the hearing ended and Hopkins was escorted out of the courtroom, the judge again reminded him he could still ask for an attorney.

Earlier this week, the defendant was back in court – still without an attorney. Weimer sentenced him to 90 days in the Cheyenne County Jail with credit for 19 days previously served. Hopkins was also ordered to pay $153.30 in court costs.