Deputy Chief Attorney for Capital Appeals Robert M. Dudek, of Columbia, and Fletcher N. Smith, Jr., of Greenville, for Appellant. Attorney General Henry Dargan McMaster, Chief Deputy Attorney General John W. McIntosh, Assistant Deputy Attorney General Salley W. Elliott, and Senior Assistant Attorney General Harold M. Coombs, Jr., of Columbia, and Solicitor Kevin Scott Brackett, of York, for Respondent.

Appellant was tried in absentia and without counsel for the charges of possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute within the proximity of a school. After the jury convicted Appellant of both offenses, the circuit court judge issued a sealed sentence. Appellant appeals, arguing the circuit court judge erred in finding he waived his right to counsel.