Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District / May 2, 2023
State of Missouri vs. Joseph C. Griest
Joseph C. Griest appealed his conviction for second-degree rape, raising three points of error. He argued the trial court erred in finding he withdrew his request to proceed pro se, claiming the court's statements were coercive. He also contended the trial court erred by admitting a photograph (Exhibit 15) despite its late disclosure and alleged lack of relevance. The appellate court affirmed the conviction, finding no reversible error in the handling of Griest's pro se motion and concluding that the admission of Exhibit 15 did not result in fundamental unfairness or prejudice.