Man allowed to act as own attorney

BENTONVILLE — A Missouri man will represent himself in a case where he’s accused of attempting to kill his former wife.

Michael Doll, 52, of Jasper, Mo., is charged with attempted capital murder, aggravated residential burglary and first- degree battery. He’s being held in the Benton County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

Doll and his former wife exchanged gunshots outside her Bella Vista home June 7, 2016, according to court documents. The woman was grazed in the side by a bullet and was treated at the scene, the affidavit states. Doll claims his actions were self-defense.

Benton County Circuit Judge Robin Green ruled at a hearing Monday that Doll can act as his own attorney.

Green reminded Doll he faces two life sentences plus 20 years in prison if convicted, but said she’ll allow him to represent himself. Green ordered an attorney with the Public Defenders Office be Doll’s stand- by counsel to offer advice at trial.

Jay Saxton, Benton County’s chief public defender, said an attorney will sit through trial with Doll, but the attorney will be prohibited from working on issuing subpoenas or preparing jury instructions. Doll said he understood he’s responsible for preparing his case.

Green tried to convince Doll to let the Public Defenders Office represent him. Doll was adamant Monday he wanted to represent himself.

Green warned Doll, who has no legal experience, he’ll be held to the same standards as a lawyer if he represents himself.

Green wanted to know Monday if Doll understood and knew how to preserve issues for any appeal in the case. Doll didn’t know. Green warned Doll if he didn’t correctly object and follow the rules some issues may not be considered in any appeal.

“It’s one of the many reasons you should avail yourself to an attorney,” Green said.

Doll has undergone two mental evaluations, and he was found capable to assist with his defense.

Stuart Cearley, chief deputy prosecutor, requested more time at a hearing earlier this month to consider whether Doll was mentally fit to act as his own attorney.

Cearley told Green on Monday he didn’t see any findings to deny Doll’s request. Cearley said it’s Doll’s constitutional right to represent himself.

“I prefer he not exercise it,” Cearley said. “I don’t think we will be on firm ground if we deny it.”

Green instructed Doll to

NWA Democrat-Gazette/TRACY NEAL Michael Doll, 52, of Jasper, Mo., will be allowed to represent himself in his attempted-murder case in Benton County. Doll was escorted Monday by Sheriff’s Office deputies from the courtroom after his court appearance in Bentonville.