Chinese woman Zhang Yujing, who was arrested at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, wants to fire lawyers and represent herself
- Assistant federal public defender says Zhang has refused to meet her lawyers and raised concerns about her mental health
- Judge warns her against ‘bad decision’, refusing to allow Zhang to dismiss lawyers until she has been examined by psychiatrist
A Chinese woman charged with lying to illegally enter US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort told a stunned judge on Tuesday that she wanted to fire her lawyers and represent herself.
Zhang Yujing surprised US District Judge Roy Altman during what was to have been a routine hearing over whether to delay her trial, which is expected to start next week. She faces up to five years in prison on charges of unlawful entry and making false statements. She has pleaded not guilty.
According to media reports, Zhang, 33, told Altman she wants to dismiss her public defenders and represent herself.
“I don’t need the attorneys, thank you,” Zhang told Altman through an interpreter. Zhang speaks some English, according to court documents, but her skill level is a matter of dispute between prosecutors and her lawyers.
“Do you want to represent yourself or do you want a lawyer?” Altman replied.