Opinion of the Court by Chief Justice MINTON.

After approving Ricky Allen's request to represent himself in a jury trial of an indictment charging four felonies and a second-degree persistent felony offense (PFO 2), the trial court appointed standby counsel for Allen despite his objection. At trial, the court curtailed the range of Allen's self-representation by barring him from all bench conferences, allowing only standby counsel to participate because the court determined Allen was a threat both to disrupt the trial and to flee. The trial resulted in a judgment of conviction and twenty-year sentence of confinement as a second-degree persistent felon, from which Allen now appeals as a matter of right.1

We reject Allen's argument that the trial court erred by failing to grant a directed verdict on three charges, but we reverse the judgment because we hold that the trial court's restriction of standby counsel at bench conferences in lieu of Allen himself or hybrid counsel left Allen unrepresented at these critical stages of the trial proceeding in violation of his Sixth Amendment rights.

In light of our reversal, we confine our discussion of the other issues Allen raises to those likely to recur in the event of a retrial.

I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND.

Grace Fellowship Church was burglarized. The church reported that several items were missing, including a Compaq laptop computer, digital camera, bass guitar, and $340 in cash. In the course of the burglary, a number of door locks, cabinet locks, and a desk lock were damaged. The repair and replacement necessitated by the damage cost the church over $5,000.

A few months later, police received a call from Cecil Hall reporting a domestic dispute between Ricky Allen and Cecil's mother, Verda Hall. Cecil met the police at his mother's residence where he turned over to the authorities a USB drive containing files belonging to Grace Fellowship Church and its pastor. Cecil told authorities that he downloaded the files from a computer that Allen asked him to evaluate. Cecil claimed that Allen bragged about breaking into a place in Carnaby Square — the shopping center where the church was located — and that Allen threatened him when Cecil figured out the laptop was stolen from the church. In the course of the investigation, Verda told police that on the night of the burglary, she dropped Allen off at Carnaby Square, which was about a half mile from her home. When she dropped Allen off, he was carrying a black bag. She also claimed that sometime later she saw a guitar in the back of Allen's truck.

A grand jury indicted Allen, charging him with third-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, theft by unlawful taking over $300, receiving stolen property worth $300 or more, and being a PFO 2. Allen represented himself at trial with assistance from standby counsel.

At trial, Cecil testified that Allen presented him with a laptop that appeared to belong to the church based on the downloaded documents. He also claimed that Allen had told him in the past how he would go about breaking into a place. But Cecil denied his prior statements to the police that Allen admitted to burglarizing the church and that Allen threatened to harm him if he reported the crime. Cecil admitted that he did not like Allen, and this caused him to exaggerate his statements to the police.

Verda testified that she did not remember telling police that she dropped Allen off in the church's vicinity or that she saw a guitar in Allen's truck. She claimed that she was taking high doses of prescription drugs when she gave her statement to the police. Verda also testified that the only guitar she ever saw was one located in a building on property she owned with her husband (not Allen).

A detective testified to Cecil's and Verda's prior inconsistent statements. The detective had viewed the files on the USB drive and confirmed that they belonged to the church. Neither the files nor the thumb drive itself were introduced into evidence. There was no surveillance footage identifying Allen, and no usable fingerprints were found at the scene. And none of the stolen property was ever recovered.

At the close of the Commonwealth's case, the trial court granted a directed verdict for lack of sufficient evidence of the crime of receiving stolen property worth $300 or more and instructed the jury on receipt of stolen property worth less than $300. The jury convicted Allen of all counts submitted to it and determined Allen to be a PFO 2. The trial court sentenced him to twenty years' imprisonment.

II. ANALYSIS.

A. Allen was not Entitled to a Directed Verdict.

Allen claims the trial court erroneously denied his motion for a directed verdict on the charges of burglary, criminal mischief, and theft.2 This issue is properly preserved for appeal.3 We find that sufficient evidence supported Allen's convictions.

A trial court ruling on a directed verdict motion must draw all fair and reasonable inferences in the Commonwealth's favor.4 "[T]he trial court must assume that the evidence for the Commonwealth is true, but [reserve] to the jury questions as to the credibility and weight to be given to such testimony."5 On appeal, we will reverse a trial court's denial of a directed verdict only if, under the evidence as a whole, it would be clearly unreasonable for a jury to find guilt.6 There must be evidence of substance, and the Commonwealth must present more than a mere scintilla of evidence.7

Allen protests that he is entitled to a directed verdict on the charges of third-degree burglary,8 first-degree criminal mischief,9 and theft by unlawful taking over $30010 because no evidence existed to show that he entered or remained unlawfully in the church, stole the items, or caused damage to church property. He claims that the evidence presented at trial necessarily left a doubt concerning Allen's guilt. But we cannot say that it was clearly unreasonable for a jury to find Allen guilty of the charged crimes.

It is true that no physical evidence existed to link Allen directly to the scene of the burglary. But this fact alone does not warrant a directed verdict. A "[c]onviction can be premised on circumstantial evidence of such nature that, based on the whole case, it would not be clearly unreasonable for a jury to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt."11 "In cases... where there is a lack of physical evidence or eyewitnesses, the case should nonetheless be submitted to the jury where when the various items of evidence are added together, a mosaic appears upon which a reasonable jury could look and conclude that appellant was guilty."12

Here, the jury found Allen guilty of possessing the stolen laptop.13 From this, they could believe that he stole the laptop from the church and committed burglary. Years ago, our predecessor court held that

It was reasonable for the jury to find also that Allen burglarized the church, thereby causing damage to church property and taking the other missing items. Cecil told police that when he figured out the laptop was stolen, Allen threatened to harm him if he told the police. Cecil also claimed that Allen admitted to breaking into a place in Carnaby Square. Verda told police that on the night of the crime, she dropped Allen off in the shopping center where the church was located. Allen was carrying a black bag with him. Verda also said that she saw a guitar in Allen's truck, and the detective understood this to be a few days after the crime.

Cecil and Verda recanted many of their statements at trial. But it was for the jury to determine whether it believed their testimony or out of court statements to the police. The Commonwealth established that Verda was still in contact with Allen, and the two corresponded while he was in jail. And, in closing, the Commonwealth argued that Cecil changed his testimony after having lunch with his mother on the day of trial. "[E]ven when the evidence is contradictory, the credibility of witnesses and the weight to be given to sworn testimony are for the jury to decide."15 So the trial court did not err by denying Allen's motion for a directed verdict.

B. The Trial Court Violated Allen's Sixth Amendment Rights by Excluding Him from Bench Conferences.

Allen was represented in several cases in the trial court by Cotha Hudson, a court-appointed attorney. Before trial in another case, Allen moved, pro se, for a change of counsel, which the trial court denied. During the hearing on Allen's motion, the trial court had to ask Allen not to interrupt other people when they were talking. Following that trial, Allen filed a motion under Kentucky Rules of Criminal Procedure (RCr) 11.42 challenging his conviction because of Hudson's ineffectiveness as trial counsel.

Hudson informed the trial court that Allen's allegations in his RCr 11.42 motion prevented her from further representing him in his other ongoing cases, including the present one. Allen requested to represent himself at the trial of the present case. At the hearing on Allen's request, he interrupted the trial court as it was stating its inclination to hold the RCr 11.42 motion in abeyance. The trial court informed Allen that he was not to interrupt while the judge was speaking.

Despite the trial court's decision to abate Allen's self-representation motion, Hudson was concerned that she should be removed from the case, nevertheless, because Allen would not cooperate with her. A discussion to determine the best way to handle the situation took place among the trial court, Hudson, other Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) attorneys, and the Commonwealth's Attorney. Allen sought to interject and asked if he could speak, interrupting one of the attorneys who was talking. The trial court told Allen no, but he continued to speak. Allen said that he did not want representation by DPA and would represent himself. The trial court had Allen temporarily removed from the courtroom for failing to remain quiet.

The trial court brought Allen back into the courtroom, conducted a Faretta hearing, and took the issue under consideration. The trial court ultimately issued an order granting Allen's motion for self-representation with restrictions. The trial court ruled that Allen knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to representation and appointed Hudson as standby counsel.

Although mindful of Allen's right to represent himself, the trial court could not "ignore Allen's past dealings with th[e] [c]ourt." The trial court noted that Allen was "prone to frequent and uninvited interruptions in the [courtroom]" and was a flight risk. The trial court's determination that Allen was a flight risk was based on the fact that while on trial for a different charge, Allen left the courthouse and was not apprehended for six days.

The trial court believed that Allen would abuse his Sixth Amendment right of self-representation "by using it as another attempt to flee or abuse the judicial process by unnecessary disruption during his trial." So the trial court ordered the following:

On the morning of trial, Allen informed the trial court he was not ready to proceed because he had not received the order granting his motion for self-representation and his discovery materials were lost. The trial court denied Allen's motion for a continuance, and Allen proceeded to represent himself at trial.

Allen conducted voir dire, made objections, cross-examined witnesses, attempted to call witnesses in his own defense,16 and delivered an opening statement and closing argument. But he was not allowed to participate in bench conferences. Hudson approached the bench for conferences; as discussed below, Hudson at times spoke on behalf of Allen, at other times remained silent and merely played the role of messenger, and at least twice expressed views contrary to Allen's interests. Allen argues that his exclusion from bench conferences improperly infringed on his Sixth Amendment rights. We agree.

The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Section 11 of the Kentucky Constitution afford a criminal defendant the right to counsel, as well as the right of self-representation.17 Unlike its federal counterpart, Section 11 of the Kentucky Constitution also guarantees the right to hybrid representation.18 A defendant's request to represent himself or for hybrid representation must be voluntary, knowing, and intelligent.19

Even when a defendant makes a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary request to proceed pro se or with hybrid representation, the right of self-representation is not absolute.20 "The right of self-representation is not a license to abuse the dignity of the courtroom. Neither is it a license not to comply with relevant rules of procedural and substantive law."21 Accordingly, trial courts may place certain restrictions on a defendant's right to self-representation.22

"[A] trial court may appoint standby counsel for a defendant even if the defendant objects to such an appointment."23 We have also recognized the ability of trial courts to impose hybrid counsel in certain situations. For instance, a trial court can appoint hybrid counsel over the objection of a defendant who is borderline competent.24 And a trial court may require hybrid counsel to cross-examine victim-witnesses over a defendant's objections.25 A defendant can also forfeit his right to represent himself.26 "A request for self-representation may be denied upon a determination that the defendant is unable or unwilling to abide by courtroom protocol as he conducts his defense, or if it is made purely as a tactic to disrupt or delay proceedings."27 These restrictions reflect the fact that "the government's interest in ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the trial at times outweighs the defendant's interest in acting as his own lawyer."28

The trial court's appointment of Hudson as standby counsel over Allen's objection did not per se violate Allen's Faretta rights. But when a trial court appoints standby counsel over a defendant's objections, the defendant typically may define standby counsel's participation in the trial.29 "[T]he objectives underlying the right to proceed pro se may be undermined by unsolicited and excessively intrusive participation by standby counsel.... Accordingly, the Faretta right must impose some limits on the extent of standby counsel's unsolicited participation."30 In McKaskle, the United States Supreme Court imposed two restrictions on the unsolicited participation of standby counsel.

We agree with those jurisdictions finding that participation of standby counsel in bench conferences over a defendant's objection typically offends the two limitations outlined in McKaskle.32 Bench conferences often involve vital legal arguments, including everything from evidentiary objections to motions for mistrial. When a self-represented defendant is unable to participate in these matters, he loses control over his defense. And, under McKaskle, standby counsel should not speak instead of the self-represented defendant at bench conferences. Standby counsel's participation in bench conferences also jeopardizes the jury's perception of the defendant as representing himself. Granted, these are factual determinations that should be made on a case-by-case basis. But participation of standby counsel at bench conferences to the self-represented defendant's exclusion and over the defendant's objection runs a high risk of violating the defendant's Faretta rights.

In Snowden v. State,33 the trial court granted Snowden's motion for self-representation and appointed standby counsel. But the trial court ruled that Snowden could not leave counsel table and required the standby attorney to attend all sidebar conferences.34 The Delaware Supreme Court held that this violated Snowden's Sixth Amendment right to represent himself. Contrary to McKaskle, standby counsel spoke instead of Snowden; and the jury's perception that Snowden represented himself may have been adversely affected.35 The court reversed for a new trial because Snowden's right of self-representation afforded him the opportunity to address the court at appropriate points in the trial, including sidebar conferences.

In Snowden, no reasons were given for the trial court's decision to exclude the self-represented defendant from bench conferences. The analysis by the Delaware Supreme Court was based purely on the Sixth Amendment right of self-representation and the McKaskle guidelines.36 The case at hand is not so clearly pigeon-holed because the trial court based its restrictions on Allen's flight risk and potential to disrupt the proceedings. The Commonwealth argues that the trial court would have been justified in denying Allen's right to self-representation altogether under Hummel and that the trial court acted within its discretion by excluding Allen from bench conferences. So the question before us is whether standby counsel's sole participation in bench conferences is justified by the trial court's findings that Allen was a flight risk and that Allen could potentially disrupt court proceedings. For the following reasons, we hold that it is not.

We first review the trial court's findings that Allen was a flight risk and was a risk for disrupting the proceedings for abuse of discretion.37 We must then examine the restrictions imposed by the trial court for appropriateness under the Sixth Amendment.

The trial court did not abuse its discretion in finding Allen was a flight risk. Only a few months before, Allen left the courthouse while in custody and on trial for different charges; he was not apprehended for several days. At the time of the trial of the present case, Allen had been tried and convicted of second-degree escape and being a first-degree PFO. He was serving a sentence of twenty years' imprisonment for that conviction. Allen was also awaiting trial on several other indictments. We cannot say the trial court abused its discretion by deeming Allen a flight risk.

Nor did the trial court abuse its discretion in determining that Allen could disrupt court proceedings. The trial court had Allen removed from a pretrial hearing for interrupting others. And the trial court had extensive interactions with Allen on his various cases. So the trial court was in the best position to determine that Allen posed a risk of disrupting the trial.

Despite finding that Allen was a flight risk and could potentially be disruptive, the trial court chose not to impose the extreme sanction of denying outright Allen's request to represent himself. This decision was entirely appropriate. Allen's behavior was not extreme or violent, nor was he charged with violent crimes. So while Allen was a flight risk, he was not a security risk.38 And the trial court protected against any potential disruption from Allen by directing Hudson to be prepared to take over the trial.39 So while the trial court found that Allen posed a risk for flight and disruption, the court did not find it necessary to deny Allen's right to self-representation altogether.40

Instead, the trial court appointed Hudson as standby counsel. When the trial court took Allen's motion to proceed pro se under advisement, the trial judge indicated that he had to decide whether to dismiss Hudson altogether, keep her as lead or co-counsel, or appoint her as whisper or standby counsel. Ultimately, the trial court determined that Allen could represent himself with assistance from Hudson as standby counsel. This determination was completely within the trial court's discretion.41

Once making the decision to appoint standby counsel, the trial court was faced with devising a plan to reconcile standby counsel's role with Allen's Faretta right to represent himself. We recognize that a

Nor does a defendant's right to appear pro se "categorically silenc[e] standby counsel."43 "Faretta rights are not infringed when standby counsel assists the pro se defendant in overcoming routine procedural or evidentiary obstacles.... Nor are they infringed when counsel merely helps to ensure the defendant's compliance with basic rules of courtroom protocol and procedure."44

But once the trial court decided that Hudson would serve purely as standby counsel, the court was not free to exclude Allen from bench conferences. We hold that Allen's Sixth Amendment right to counsel was violated when the trial court permitted Allen to represent himself without hybrid counsel and then barred him from a critical stage of the criminal proceedings.

Allen's exclusion from bench conferences implicates his Sixth Amendment right to be represented by counsel at all critical stages of a criminal proceeding.45 "It is well-settled that a criminal defendant has a right to be represented by counsel that extends beyond the actual trial to every critical stage of the proceedings."46 We conclude that Allen was unrepresented at the bench conferences.

Allen acted as his own counsel at trial and was prohibited from attending the bench conferences. Although Hudson was present at the bench conferences, she did not represent Allen because she was standby counsel only. Standby counsel is defined as "[a]n attorney who is appointed to be prepared to represent a pro se criminal defendant if the defendant's self-representation ends. [] The standby counsel may also provide some advice and guidance to the defendant during the self-representation. — Also termed advisory counsel."47 Advisory counsel is "[a]n attorney retained merely to give advice on a particular matter, as distinguished from one (such as trial counsel) actively participating in a case."48

Standby counsel is distinguished from hybrid counsel, which is an attorney that acts as co-counsel with the defendant.49 Kentucky courts view hybrid counsel as self-representation, in part.50 That is, the defendant makes "a limited waiver of counsel whereby he acts as co-counsel with a licensed attorney. The defendant specifies the extent of legal services he desires, but undertakes the remaining portion of his defense pro se."51

We agree with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals that "[g]enerally, standby counsel does not satisfy a defendant's Sixth Amendment right to counsel."52 As the definition of standby counsel indicates, "[s]tandby counsel does not ... `represent' the pro se defendant."53 The trial court held that Allen competently waived his right to an attorney. Hudson's role was advisory only. From that point on, Allen was representing himself — acting as his own attorney. As his own attorney, he had the right to be present at all critical stages of the criminal proceeding.

"[A]n analysis of a critical stage necessarily involves a retrospective inquiry as to the nature and consequences of each step in the proceedings. Particular attention must be given to how counsel would have benefited the defendant at these moments."54 A portion of a criminal proceeding is a critical stage if a reasonable likelihood exists that the defendant was prejudiced by the absence of counsel.55

The bench conferences at Allen's trial were critical stages of the criminal proceeding.56 Numerous bench conferences took place at Allen's trial. The issues addressed at the conferences included a motion for a continuance, the excusal of jurors for cause, and evidentiary challenges by both Allen and the Commonwealth. That a reasonable likelihood exists that Allen was prejudiced by the absence of counsel — Allen or co-counsel — from these bench conferences is certain.

We point out the contents of the conference regarding Allen's motion for a continuance as an example. On the morning of trial, it came to light that Allen had not received a copy of the trial court's order granting Allen his right to self-representation. Allen also informed the court that his discovery documents were missing. On these bases, Allen requested a continuance.57 The trial court discussed Allen's motion with Hudson and the prosecutor at the bench while Allen was restricted to counsel table. The trial court denied Allen's motion and the trial proceeded.

We find that a reasonable likelihood exists that Allen was prejudiced by the absence of counsel at this bench conference. It is reasonably likely that counsel, Allen, or an attorney representing him, could have presented articulable and persuasive reasons why a continuance was necessary. Instead, the trial court ruled on the motion without hearing any argument from Allen.

After determining that Allen should not approach the bench for conferences, the trial court should have appointed co-counsel to represent Allen at these critical stages. Allen's actions may have forfeited his right to move freely about the courtroom, but that does not mean he could go unrepresented at the bench conferences.

In Hummel, we held that a defendant can forfeit his right to represent himself. Although Hummel forfeited his right to be his own counsel, he was still represented by an attorney at all critical stages of his criminal proceedings.58 The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals also has held that when a pro se defendant acts out during trial, he "does not forfeit his right to representation.... He merely forfeits his right to represent himself in the proceeding."59 In United States v. Mack, Mack was representing himself without the aid of standby counsel. When Mack became obstreperous, the trial court removed him from the courtroom, "which left nobody to represent him.... In practical effect, [Mack] had been removed as his own counsel and nobody stepped in to fill the gap."60 The Ninth Circuit held that "[i]t is beyond doubt that Mack wound up deprived of counsel — himself or anyone else."61 This was a structural error requiring reversal.62 So, too, was Allen left unrepresented at critical stages when the trial court prohibited him from attending bench conferences.

The Commonwealth, as well as the dissent, points us to State v. Davenport,63 in which the New Jersey Supreme Court found that Davenport's right to represent himself was not violated by his exclusion from sidebar conferences. The court held that under the facts of that case, Davenport controlled the content and presentation of his defense; and the jury was fully aware of that reality.64 The court found standby counsel's participation at bench conferences in place of Davenport appropriate "in light of the valid security concerns attendant to the trial of an alleged drug kingpin facing a life sentence...."65 But the court never discussed the implications of the defendant's lack of representation at critical stages of his criminal trial.66 So we do not find Davenport persuasive.67

We pause here to distinguish clearly Davenport from the case before us. The dissent "find[s] this case more akin to Davenport" because the "trial court detailed security concerns." Respectfully, we must disagree. Initially, a brief description of the facts and proceedings of Davenport is in order. Davenport involved the arrest of a 33-year-old male, who was over six feet tall and weighed over 300 pounds, and during the arrest lunged for a shoebox found to contain two firearms. Davenport was a "drug kingpin" charged with "twenty-five drug- and weapon-related offenses, the most serious of which was first-degree leading a narcotics trafficking network."68 As detailed previously, Allen was arrested and charged with theft offenses; and the record is factually inconclusive regarding Allen's involvement, past or present, in violent activity or any supposed violent disposition. Further, Allen was not in possession of a weapon at the time of arrest.69 The record describes Allen as a slightly over five-feet, 130 pound, fifty-one-year-old male. Simply stated, on the facts, this case is not akin to Davenport. The trial court did not find Allen to be a security concern, and there are no "legitimate security concerns" detailed on the record that would necessitate precluding Allen from participating in bench conferences.70 Admittedly, Allen was found to be a flight risk. But a finding of propensity for flight or escape is not the equivalent of a finding of a safety concern for individuals in the courtroom.

Contrary to the arguments presented by the dissent or the Commonwealth, Davenport actually supports our holding today. The dissent uses selective quotation to buttress its argument but, in doing so, misses the point of Davenport. While Davenport, like Allen, was prohibited from participating in sidebars, the trial judge in Davenport ensured that Davenport was given a proper opportunity to present his case. The trial judge, on a particular occasion, following a discussion between standby counsel and the prosecuting attorney, "dismissed the jury and proceeded to address with defendant the entire contents of the sidebar discussion...."71 Additionally, "on several occasions [standby counsel] left the sidebar conference to relay information to or from [Davenport], or to determine from [Davenport] whether he had an objection to a proposed course of action."72 There is simply no mention of such conduct in Allen's case. Indeed, nearly the opposite took place during Allen's trial. Standby counsel did not request if Allen wished to relay any message to the trial judge or prosecuting attorney, whether Allen wished to make an argument or objection, and the trial judge did not dismiss the jurors to hear from Allen. The totality of Davenport can almost be viewed as the method trial judges should model when attempting to balance the defendant's right to proceed pro se against the safety and effectiveness of the courtroom.73 Certainly, Davenport does not support the weight the dissent gives it. While Davenport was not "deprive[d] ... of meaningful participation in the content of the sidebars through his standby counsel representative,"74 Allen certainly was. Again, this case is not akin to Davenport.

The Commonwealth also argues that although the trial judge labeled Hudson standby counsel, her presence at the bench conferences necessarily entailed representation of Allen in that limited role. So, according to the Commonwealth, Allen was not left unrepresented at any critical stage of the trial. The record here contradicts the Commonwealth's argument.

The record in this case supports the conclusion that Allen was left unrepresented at the bench conferences. The trial court repeatedly made clear that Hudson's role as standby counsel was advisory only. The trial court's order specifically identified Hudson as standby counsel for Allen, stating that she would be available to Allen for assistance before and during the trial but would not interfere with Allen's Faretta rights in order that Allen could present his case in his own way. The trial court informed the jury that Allen had chosen to represent himself and would not have an attorney to represent him. The court explained that while Hudson was an attorney, she was present only to answer Allen's questions and assist Allen with approaching the bench and handling witness documents. The trial court also reminded Hudson of her role during the course of trial. For instance, the trial court reminded Hudson that while she could assist Allen with his juror strikes, the ultimate decisions lay with Allen. And when Hudson moved the court for a directed verdict at the close of the Commonwealth's case, the trial court would not entertain the motion until Allen so moved the court.

Hudson was placed in an awkward situation by being restricted to an advisory capacity but, at the same time, being present at the bench conferences to Allen's exclusion. At some bench conferences, she made limited statements on Allen's behalf. But many times, she remained silent at the conferences and took on more of a messenger role. For instance, during many examinations of individual jurors at the bench during voir dire, the trial court ruled to excuse jurors and instructed Hudson to inform Allen about what occurred. In another instance, the prosecutor objected to a question posed by Allen in cross-examination. Allen started to reply to the prosecutor's objection, but the trial court interrupted him and called counsel to the bench. Hudson explained the purpose behind Allen's line of questioning, but she did not argue as to why the questioning was relevant. The trial court sustained the prosecutor's objection. Allen had no opportunity to participate at these bench conferences, and it cannot be said that Hudson argued on his behalf.

More alarmingly, on at least two occasions, Hudson argued against Allen's interests. On the morning of trial, Allen asked for a continuance because he had not received a copy of the trial court order granting his motion to represent himself and because he lost his discovery. When Hudson relayed this information to the trial court, she clearly conveyed her exasperation with Allen. She informed the trial court that although Allen did not have the documents with him, she had given him the discovery twice. Hudson was not representing Allen's interests at this bench conference. Rather, her frustration and tone of voice made clear that she did not consider a continuance appropriate or necessary.

Hudson also argued against Allen's interests at a bench conference during trial. Allen was cross-examining a witness and sought to introduce evidence through the witness. Hudson approached the bench to relay Allen's request to introduce the evidence. Hudson told the trial court that she tried to explain to Allen that although he could ask the witness about certain information, the evidence could not be introduced. The trial court affirmed Hudson's assessment and denied Allen's request. At this conference, Hudson successfully argued against Allen's interests. So we are not convinced by the Commonwealth's argument that Hudson was representing Allen at the bench conferences.

We also note that the trial judge took upon himself many of the tasks that would be required of Allen's counsel.75 We commend the trial court for attempting to provide Allen a fair trial. But a defendant "does not have a constitutional right to receive personal instruction from the trial judge on courtroom procedure. Nor does the Constitution require judges to take over chores for a pro se defendant that would normally be attended to by trained counsel as a matter of course."76 The trial court's actions here underscore the perception that the trial court itself did not view Hudson as representing Allen. If Hudson were representing Allen at the bench conferences, it is unlikely the trial court would have found it necessary to intercede on Allen's behalf.

In United States v. McDermott,77 the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals similarly rejected "the government's argument that Mr. McDermott's counsel was transformed into hybrid counsel (going from adviser/helper to representative)...."78 The court found that the record left no doubt that McDermott represented himself while the attorney was standby counsel only.79 The same is true here — Allen represented himself while Hudson's role as standby counsel was advisory only. She did not transform into hybrid counsel while attending the bench conferences.

Whether this is viewed as a violation of Allen's right of self-representation or right to be represented at a critical stage, the error is not susceptible to harmless error analysis. "It is settled that a complete absence of counsel at a critical stage of a criminal proceeding is a per se Sixth Amendment violation warranting reversal of a conviction, a sentence, or both, as applicable, without analysis for prejudice or harmless error."80 Nor is the denial of the right of self-representation "amenable to `harmless error' analysis. The right is either respected or denied; its deprivation cannot be harmless."81

The trial court's error in Allen's case was of constitutional magnitude and requires reversal. The trial court was faced with the task of creating a plan that would simultaneously protect Allen's right of self-representation and minimize the risk of flight and disruption. The trial court appropriately decided not to impose the extreme sanction of denying outright Allen's right to represent himself. But, unfortunately, the plan devised by the trial court left a gap in Allen's representation at critical stages of the trial — the bench conferences. So we must reverse the convictions.

C. The Commonwealth did not Introduce a Prior-Dismissed Conviction at the Sentencing Phase.

The jury found Allen guilty of being a PFO 2. A second-degree persistent felony offender "is a person who is more than twenty-one (21) years of age and who stands convicted of a felony after having been convicted of one (1) previous felony."82 At the sentencing phase, the Commonwealth introduced a Laurel Circuit Court judgment convicting Allen of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The judgment was entered in January 2000.83

Allen argues that evidence concerning this judgment was inadmissible for purposes of finding him a PFO 2 because the Court of Appeals vacated the judgment. This issue is unpreserved, and Allen requests review for palpable error.84 We find that no error occurred, let alone palpable error.

The opinion of the Court of Appeals regarding Allen's January 2000 conviction reviewed the trial court's decision not to grant an evidentiary hearing on Allen's RCr 11.42 claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. The Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's order denying Allen's motion and remanded to the trial court for an evidentiary hearing. It is undisputed that the hearing on Allen's RCr 11.42 claim never occurred, and the judgment of conviction was never vacated.

In Melson v. Commonwealth,85 this Court held that

III. CONCLUSION.

Sufficient evidence supported Allen's convictions of burglary, criminal mischief, and theft. Allen's PFO 2 conviction was also valid. But Allen's exclusion from bench conferences at trial violated his Sixth Amendment rights. So we reverse the judgment and remand to the trial court for further proceedings.

All sitting. ABRAMSON, KELLER, NOBLE, and VENTERS, JJ., concur. SCOTT, J., dissents by separate opinion in which CUNNINGHAM, J., joins.

SCOTT, J., dissenting:

I must respectfully dissent from the majority's opinion because I disagree that the trial court's order, requiring the participation of standby counsel at bench conferences on Appellant's behalf, violated his Sixth Amendment rights by leaving him unrepresented at critical stages of the trial. Given Appellant's disrespectful and disruptive conduct, and past criminal record, the order was thoroughly justified.

The Sixth Amendment guarantees criminal defendants the right to self-representation, Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 834, 95 S.Ct. 2525, 45 L.Ed.2d 562 (1975), so long as the criminal defendant is "able and willing to abide by rules of procedure and courtroom protocol." McKaskle v. Wiggins, 465 U.S. 168, 173, 104 S.Ct. 944, 79 L.Ed.2d 122 (1984). The right to self-representation is "not a ... license not to comply with relevant rules of procedural and substantive law." Faretta, 422 U.S. at 834, 95 S.Ct. 2525. Moreover, a disruptive defendant may have his right to self-representation terminated if he does not comply with courtroom protocol. Id. at 834 n. 46, 95 S.Ct. 2525. "Even at the trial level, therefore, the government's interest in ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the trial at times outweighs the defendant's interest in acting as' his own lawyer." Martinez v. Court of Appeal of Cal., 528 U.S. 152, 162, 120 S.Ct. 684, 145 L.Ed.2d 597 (2000).

In the present case, the balance of the two competing interests tipped heavily in favor of the Commonwealth. And given Appellant's extensive criminal background and past courtroom behavior, the trial judge did not abuse his discretion in ruling that Appellant would not be allowed to approach the bench during sidebar conferences.

In addition to the present case, Appellant faced six additional indictments. By trial, Appellant had already been sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment for escape in the second degree and first degree PFO. The trial judge also had firsthand knowledge of Appellant's "frequent and uninvited interruptions in the court room," having had to personally order Appellant be removed from a pretrial conference for disruptive behavior. Most importantly, the trial judge knew that Appellant was a "flight risk." He had already escaped once from the sheriff's custody in the same courthouse.

Although it was within the trial judge's discretion to completely deny Appellant's request for self-representation, Hummel v. Commonwealth, 306 S.W.3d 48, 53 (Ky. 2010) (citing Faretta, 422 U.S. at 834-35 n. 46, 95 S.Ct. 2525 (1975)), he instead implemented what he believed to be the least intrusive means of preserving Appellant's right to self-representation. The trial judge required only that Appellant remain at the table during bench conferences and that standby counsel keep Appellant apprised of what transpired during those conferences.

In particular, a violation of defendant's Sixth Amendment right to self-representation may only be found if defendant can show that the participation of standby counsel either 1) deprived him of actual control over the case presented to the jury or 2) destroyed the perception of the jury that defendant was representing himself and in control of the case. See McKaskle, 465 U.S. at 178-79, 104 S.Ct. 944. The majority now holds that standby counsel's participation in bench conferences due to the exclusion of the pro se defendant may jeopardize that defendant's control over the case and the perception of defendant's control by the jury. However, it must be pointed out that the exclusion should be viewed "in the context of the trial as a whole." United States v. Mills, 895 F.2d 897, 905 (2d Cir.1990). The majority concedes as much when it states that "these are factual determinations that should be made on a case-by-case basis."

Appellant's brief does not contend that his exclusion from bench conferences destroyed his control over his case or the jury's perception that he was handling his own case. Rather, Appellant alleges that the trial court infringed on his "right to self-representation and [his] right to have his counsel present during critical portions of the trial."

To support its position that Appellant's Sixth Amendment rights were violated, the majority cites to three cases finding error in the refusal of trial judges to allow a pro se criminal defendant to participate in bench conferences. See United States v. McDermott, 64 F.3d 1448, 1452 (10th Cir. 1995) (finding error where defendant was excluded from bench conferences because he lacked legal knowledge of procedural and evidentiary rules); Oses v. Massachusetts, 961 F.2d 985, 986 (1st Cir.1992) (holding that it was improper to exclude defendant, who was also bound and gagged, from bench conferences without so much as a hearing); Snowden v. State, 672 A.2d 1017, 1018-22 (Del.1996) (finding error where no reason whatsoever was given for defendant's exclusion from sidebar conferences). While I agree with the majority that the cases they cite involved violations of the Sixth Amendment right to self-representation, these cases, however, are distinguishable from the present case because none of them involve a defendant who posed a flight risk or threat to courtroom security.

I find this case more akin to State v. Davenport, 177 N.J. 288, 827 A.2d 1063 (2003), in which the New Jersey Supreme Court examined each of the three cases above as well as Mills, 895 F.2d 897. The Davenport court upheld security measures the trial court imposed that prevented the pro se defendant from leaving the defense table and required standby counsel to represent him at bench conferences. 827 A.2d at 1072-75. Davenport held that the exclusion of a criminal defendant from bench conferences is proper when there are "legitimate security concerns" that are "detailed clearly on the record." Id. at 1075.

The majority attempts to distinguish Davenport by arguing that the defendant in Davenport was more of a security risk than Appellant. In support of this argument, the majority relies on the Davenport defendant's young age, large physical stature, and numerous drug- and weapon-related charges. Comparing Appellant to the Davenport defendant, the majority states, "Allen was arrested and charged with theft offenses; and the record is factually inconclusive regarding Allen's involvement, past or present, in violent activity or any supposed violent disposition." Yet, police testimony at trial indicated that the theft was discovered when officers were called to Appellant's home to handle a domestic dispute in which Appellant had threatened his girlfriend and her son. Further testimony was offered to show that Appellant had specifically threatened to beat his girlfriend's son's brains out with a crowbar.

The majority further attempts to distinguish Appellant from the Davenport defendant by arguing that "Allen was not in possession of a weapon at the time of arrest." Nonetheless, part of the basis for Appellant's PFO conviction was that he was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm — a fact which the trial judge was aware of when he determined that Appellant would be excluded from bench conferences. Putting aside value judgments on the relative dangerousness of Appellant, evidence of Appellant's threats, possession of firearms, and prior escape from custody established an adequate basis for the trial judge to determine Appellant presented legitimate security concerns.

Because I believe that an exclusion from bench conferences must be looked at in the context of the trial and parties as a whole, I disagree with the majority that Appellant's right to be represented at critical stages of the proceeding was violated. The trial court was in the best position to determine how to balance the defendant's Sixth Amendment rights against the integrity of the proceedings and courtroom security concerns.

As I believe the trial judge did not abuse his discretion in ruling that Appellant would be excluded from bench conferences, I would uphold Appellant's convictions. Thus, I respectfully dissent.

CUNNINGHAM, J., joins.