STATE OF CONNECTICUT v. TERRY D. JOHNSON, 253 Conn. 1

Opinion KATZ, J. The defendant, Terry D. Johnson, was charged with: one count of murder and felony murder in violation of General Statutes §§ 53a-54a and ñSa-ñác; one count of capital felony murder of a member of the division of state police, while the officer was acting within the scope of his duties, in violation of General Statutes (Rev. to 1991) § 53a-54b (

l) and §§ 53a-54a (

a) and (

c) and 53a-54c; one count of burglary in the first degree in violation of General Statutes § 53a-101 (a) (1) and (2); one count of larceny in the third degree for the taking of property with a value in excess of one thousand dollars in violation of General Statutes §§ 53a-119 and 53a-124 (a) (2); and twenty counts of stealing a firearm in violation of General Statutes § 53a-212, arising out of the shooting death of Connecticut State Trooper Russell Bagshaw during the commission of a burglary of a sporting goods store in North Windham.

The defendant pleaded guilty to murder/felony murder, capital felony and burglary, before a three judge panel, Corrigan, Spada and Potter, Js. (trial court), admitting to the following facts. During the early morning hours of June 5,1991, the defendant and his brother, Duane Johnson, broke into the Land and Sea Sports Center (Land and Sea) in North Windham. The defendant entered the building through a small window and removed several weapons and boxes of ammunition from the Land and Sea by passing them through the window to Duane.

The defendant loaded a semiautomatic nine millimeter pistol and passed that weapon through the window to Duane as well. During the course of the break-in, Bagshaw, who was on routine patrol in the vicinity, drove his cruiser into the parking lot of the Land and Sea. Duane saw Bagshaw’s cruiser approaching and warned the defendant. The defendant exited the Land and Sea through the window by which he had entered. The defendant, armed with the semiautomatic nine millimeter pistol, then proceeded to wait near the building. As Bagshaw’s cruiser approached the Land and Sea, the defendant began shooting at the cruiser.

One of the bullets fired by the defendant hit Bagshaw, fatally wounding him. The defendant and Duane then fled the scene. After the defendant’s guilty plea, a separate sentencing hearing was conducted pursuant to General Statutes (Rev. to 1991) § 53a-46a by the trial court. At the conclusion of the sentencing phase of the trial, the jury found an aggravating factor and no mitigating factor. In accordance with the jury’s findings, the trial court rendered a judgment of guilty of capital felony and imposed the death penalty on the defendant.

The defendant appealed to this court pursuant to General Statutes § 51-199 (

b) and General Statutes (Rev. to 1991) § 53a-46b. We affirm the judgment of conviction on all counts. Because we conclude, however, that there was insufficient evidence of the existence of an aggravating factor, we reverse the judgment with respect to the imposition of the death penalty and remand the case with direction to impose a life sentence without the possibility of release. The defendant raises twenty-eight issues on appeal.

Because we reverse the judgment imposing the death penalty, we need decide only five of those issues: three addressed to the defendant’s guilty plea, one challenging the sufficiency of the evidence of the aggravating factor and one contesting the propriety of the probable cause hearing. I We first address the defendant’s claim that the trial court improperly denied his motions for a competency examination, pursuant to General Statutes (Rev. to 1991) § 54-56d, thereby depriving him of his right to due process of law under the United States and Connecticut constitutions.

Although we agree that the trial court applied an incorrect evidentiary standard to the defendant’s requests for a competency hearing, we conclude that any impropriety did not deprive the defendant of his due process rights. Accordingly, the failure to order a competency hearing was not harmful. The record reveals the following relevant facts. The guilt phase of the defendant’s trial commenced on December 10, 1992, before the trial court.

At the start of the proceedings, defense counsel moved for a competency examination of the defendant, pursuant to § 54-56d (c), citing, as the basis of the motion, a letter received from David M. Mantell, a clinical psychologist hired by the defense, which raised concerns about the defendant’s mental competence.

The relevant portions of Mantell’s December 9, 1992 letter provided: “During my first examination of [the defendant] on [November 25, 1992] but particularly during [further examination] this morning and this afternoon, I have found symptomatic evidence of psychotic thought process which, if validated, may severely impact on [his] present legal competence.” Defense counsel argued that these concerns required the trial court to halt the guilt phase of the proceedings until completion of a competency examination and determination.

The trial court denied the defendant’s motion for a competency examination, citing the adequacy of a canvass conducted by one member of the trial court, Corrigan, J., during the October 22, 1992 hearing, at which Judge Corrigan granted the defendant’s motion to change his election from a jury trial to a trial by a three judge panel pursuant to General Statutes § 54-82 (b). The trial court explained that during that hearing, Judge Corrigan had found the defendant competent as a result of that canvass, and the trial court further concluded that Mantell’s letter did not change that prior determination of competency.

The trial court then explained its understanding of the evidentiary burden required for a hearing pursuant to § 54-56d, stating: “By virtue of subsection (

b) of [§ 54-56d], a defendant is presumed to be competent and Doctor Mantell’s letter does not indicate he is not competent. The burden provided by subsection (

b) is that the burden rests upon the defendant to prove by clear and convincing evidence that he is [incompetent]. So at a time when you have such evidence to produce, the court will hear you.” When the defendant then offered to produce Mantell to testify, the trial court explained that even Mantell’s opinion as set forth in his letter would be insufficient to establish incompetency. Immediately after the court’s ruling on the defendant’s motion for a competency examination, the defendant pleaded guilty.

Before accepting the defendant’s plea, the trial court conducted a lengthy examination of the defendant pursuant to Practice Book §§ 39-19 and 39-20, formerly §§ 711 and 712. The court questioned the defendant extensively regarding his understanding of the specific charges against him, the penalties he faced and the factual basis of his plea.

In response to many of the court’s inquiries, the defendant stated that he had “reviewed that with my attorneys and I stand by my plea of guilty as to that point.” At the conclusion of the canvass, the trial court asked both the state and defense counsel whether they wanted the court to include any additional questions in the canvass. The state requested that the court ask the defendant whether he was under the influence of any medication or alcohol. The trial court responded that it had already asked the question at the beginning of the canvass.

Neither the state nor defense counsel requested that the trial court ask the defendant any additional questions. The trial court subsequently accepted the defendant’s guilty plea, stating: “The court finds that the plea of guilty to the three offenses has been made knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily, with full understanding of the crimes charged, their possible penalties and the consequences of such a plea, and after adequate advice and assistance of counsel.” Defense counsel also moved for a competency examination on two subsequent occasions.

On March 3,1993, during argument on the state’s motion to change psychiatrists, defense counsel noted that the defendant had declined to come to court that day and expressed concern regarding the defendant’s medications and demeanor. Relying on these observations, defense counsel moved for a competency evaluation for the second time. The trial court denied that motion, citing its earlier denial on December 10, 1992, of the same request. The trial court also reiterated its understanding of § 54-56d.

Additionally, the trial court noted that, although the defendant’s behavior sometimes seemed inappropriate, the defendant appeared to have a good relationship with defense counsel and had behaved appropriately during the previous day’s proceedings. Defense counsel asserted that the trial court had incorrectly stated the evidentiary burden contained in § 54-56d. Defense counsel argued that the clear and convincing standard, cited by the court, did not apply to a request for a competency heating but, rather, applied only at a later stage when proving the defendant’s incompetence.

Other than noting the defendant’s exception, the trial court did not respond to these arguments. When the proceedings resumed the following day, the trial court noted the defendant’s absence. Defense counsel explained that the defendant was upset and again had declined to attend the proceedings. Additionally, defense counsel reiterated their concerns regarding the defendant’s mental state and again requested a competency evaluation. The trial court denied the defendant’s motion but postponed voir dire proceedings in order to give the state’s psychiatrist an opportunity to examine the defendant.

The trial court, in a mittimus accompanying the defendant back to the department of correction, also noted defense counsel’s concerns and indicated that the defendant’s physicians should more closely monitor his medications. After a brief recess during which the defendant again declined to attend the day’s proceedings, the trial court found that the defendant had waived his presence for the day. Several days later, on March 9,1993, defense counsel again raised the issue of the defendant’s mental competence.

During argument on the state’s motions for disclosure and production, defense counsel repeated their concerns about the defendant’s medications and his resulting mental state. Defense counsel explained that the defendant had not received medication for a period of four days, and that the court’s order of March 4, 1993, for an evaluation of the defendant’s medication, had not been carried out. Defense counsel, however, did not move for a competency examination under § 54-56d.

The defendant argues that the trial court’s denial of his motions for a competency hearing deprived him of his due process rights under the state and federal constitutions and his rights pursuant to § 54-56d. The defendant contends that, procedurally, the trial court improperly applied a clear and convincing evidentiary standard to the defendant’s requests for a competency hearing pursuant to § 54-56d.

Additionally, the defendant claims that the trial court deprived him of his substantive due process rights because defense counsel had presented substantial evidence that the defendant was incompetent to stand trial. The state agrees, in both its brief and at oral argument, that the trial court incorrectly required clear and convincing proof of incompetency as a prerequisite to granting a competency hearing.

The state asserts, however, that despite this impropriety, the defendant presented insufficient evidence of incompetency, and that the trial court’s subsequent canvass of the defendant regarding his guilty plea cured any harm resulting from the trial court’s misapplication of § 54-56d. We agree with the state that the trial court’s misapplication of § 54-56d did not harm the defendant.

We begin with the undisputed principle that the guilty plea and subsequent conviction of “an accused person who is not legally competent to stand trial violates the due process of law guaranteed by the state and federal constitutions. Conn. Const., art. I, § 8; U.S. Const., amend. XIV, § 1; see Pate v. Robinson, 383 U.S. 375, 378, 86 S. Ct. 836, 15 L. Ed. 2d 815 (1966).” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) State v. Garcia, 233 Conn. 44, 67, 658 A.2d 947 (1995), on appeal after remand, 235 Conn. 671, 669 A.2d 573 (1996); accord Cooper v. Oklahoma, 517 U.S. 348, 354, 116 S. Ct. 1373, 134 L.

Ed. 2d 498 (1996); State v. Wolff, 237 Conn. 633, 662, 678 A.2d 1369 (1996); Gold v. Warden, 222 Conn. 312, 313 n.3, 610 A.2d 1153 (1992). Connecticut jealously guards this right. Therefore, “[t]his constitutional mandate is codified in ... § 54-56d (a), which provides that [a] defendant shall not be tried, convicted or sentenced while he is not competent.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) State v. Garcia, supra, 67. “[A] defendant is not competent if he is unable to understand the proceedings against him or to assist in his own defense.” General Statutes (Rev. to 1991) § 54-56d (a).

This statutory definition mirrors the federal competency standard enunciated in Dusky v. United States, 362 U.S. 402, 80 S. Ct. 788, 4 L. Ed. 2d 824 (1960) (per curiam). According to Dusky, the test for competency “must be whether [the defendant] has sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding — and whether he has a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against him.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) Id.; see also Drope v. Missouri, 420 U.S. 162, 172, 95 S. Ct. 896, 43 L.

Ed. 2d 103 (1975). “Even when a defendant is competent at the commencement of his trial, a trial court must always be alert to circumstances suggesting a change that would render the accused unable to meet the standards of competence to stand trial.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) State v. Gonzalez, 205 Conn. 673, 686-87, 535 A.2d 345 (1987). Although § 54-56d (

b) presumes the competency of defendants, “when a reasonable doubt concerning the defendant’s competency is raised, the trial court must order a competency examination.” State v. Wolff, supra, 237 Conn. 666. Thus, “[a]s a matter of due process, the trial court is required to conduct an independent inquiry into the defendant’s competence whenever he makes specific factual allegations that, if true, would constitute substantial evidence of mental impairment. Sanders v. United States, 373 U.S. 1, 21, 83 S. Ct. 1068, 10 L. Ed. 2d 148 (1963). Substantial evidence is a term of art.

Evidence encompasses all information properly before the court, whether it is in the form of testimony or exhibits formally admitted or it is in the form of medical reports or other kinds of reports that have been filed with the court. Evidence is substantial if it raises a reasonable doubt about the defendant’s competency .... Moore v. United States, 464 F.2d 663, 666 (9th Cir. 1972). State v. Watson, [198 Conn. 598, 605, 504 A.2d 497 (1986)]; see Pate v. Robinson, [supra, 383 U.S. 385]; de Kaplany v. Enomoto, 540 F.2d 975, 982-83 (9th Cir. 1976), cert. denied, 429 U.S. 1075, 97 S. Ct. 815, 50 L.

Ed. 2d 793 (1977); People v. Pennington, 66 Cal. 2d 508, 518, 426 P.2d 942, 58 Cal. Rptr. 374 (1967). The trial court should carefully weigh the need for a hearing in each case, but this is not to say that a hearing should be available on demand. The decision whether to grant a hearing requires the exercise of sound judicial discretion. United States v. Hall, 523 F.2d 665, 667 (2d Cir. 1975); Riccardi v. United States, 428 F. Sup. 1059, 1064-65 (E.D.N.Y.), aff'd, 573 F.2d 1294 (2d Cir. 1977).” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) State v. DesLaurier, 230 Conn. 572, 585-86, 646 A.2d 108 (1994).

A We first examine the defendant’s claim that the trial court improperly required clear and convincing evidence of incompetency before granting an examination under § 54-56d. We agree with the defendant and the state that the trial court evaluated the defendant’s requests for a competency hearing under an incorrect standard and, under the appropriate standard, should have granted the defendant’s motions for a competency evaluation.

Section 54-56d establishes the procedural requirements for competency determinations. A court may undertake a competency examination upon a motion by the defendant or the state and in some circumstances must evaluate the defendant’s competency sua sponte. General Statutes (Rev. to 1991) § 54-56d (c); see Pate v. Robinson, supra, 383 U.S. 385 (court must initiate hearing when aware of facts creating reasonable doubt as to defendant’s competence); State v.

Gonzalez, supra, 205 Conn. 686 (“ ‘independent judicial inquiry’ ” required in some circumstances). “If the court finds that the request for an examination is justified and that . . . there is probable cause to believe that the defendant has committed the crime for which he is charged, the court shall order an examination of the defendant as to his competency. ...” (Emphasis added.) General Statutes (Rev. to 1991) § 54-56d (d). “[A] trial court must order a competency hearing at any time that facts arise to raise a reasonable doubt about the defendant’s competency to continue with the trial.” State v.

DesLaurier, supra, 230 Conn. 589-90 n.12. Once the court grants a motion for a competency examination, the burden rests on the moving party to prove “that the defendant is not competent by clear and convincing evidence . . . .” General Statutes (Rev. to 1991) § 54-56d (b). Although we agree that generally the discretion to grant a competency hearing lies with the trial court; State v.

Wolff, supra, 237 Conn. 664 (decision to grant competency hearing requires exercise of sound judicial discretion); we conclude that, in the present case, the trial court improperly required the defendant to provide clear and convincing evidence of incompetency in his motion for a competency evaluation. Additionally, because the evidence proffered by the defendant raised a reasonable doubt as to the defendant’s competency, a competency examination was justified in this case.

In denying the defendant’s initial motion for a competency evaluation, the trial court stated that “[t]he burden provided by subsection (b) [of § 54-56d] is that the burden rests upon the defendant to prove by clear and convincing evidence that he is not competent.” The trial court, however, applied subsection (

b) of the statute at the incorrect time in the proceedings and thereby inaccurately stated the evidentiary burden required to satisfy subsection (d).

Section 54-56d (b), which provides the standard that a moving party must meet for proof of incompetency, applies only after a trial court has granted a motion for a competency evaluation or has undertaken an evaluation sua sponte. In deciding whether to grant a motion for a competency examination, the trial court is governed by the provisions contained in subsections (

c) and (

d) of § 54-56d. Far from requiring a moving party initially to provide clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s incompetency, these provisions state that if it “appears” that the defendant is not competent, and if the trial court finds that a request for a competency evaluation is “justified,” the court must order a competency examination. We have interpreted this standard as requiring a competency evaluation any time a reasonable doubt is raised regarding the defendant’s competency. See State v. DesLaurier, supra, 230 Conn. 589-90 n.12.

Essentially, in denying the defendant’s request for a competency evaluation, the trial court would have had to conclude that no reasonable doubt existed regarding the defendant’s competency. Our review of the record reveals that Mantell’s letter and defense counsel’s concerns about the defendant’s demeanor and medications provided sufficient justification for the trial court to have granted a competency evaluation.

The trial court, therefore, improperly denied the defendant’s motions for a competency evaluation based on its determination that there was not clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s incompetency. We conclude that defense counsel’s assertions raised a reasonable doubt as to the defendant’s competency and, therefore, that the trial court should have ordered a competency evaluation.

B Having determined that the trial court improperly denied the defendant’s motions for a competency examination, we next address whether that denial deprived the defendant of substantive due process because he was incompetent to stand trial. Because we conclude that in accepting the defendant’s guilty plea, the trial court implicitly found him competent, and because our own review of the record demonstrates that this finding was not an abuse of discretion, the trial court’s failure to provide a competency evaluation did not deprive the defendant of due process under the state or federal constitutions.

Accordingly, we conclude that the impropriety of the trial court’s failure to order a competency evaluation was harmless. The following facts are relevant to our discussion of this issue. Immediately following the defendant’s first motion for a competency evaluation, the trial court conducted a canvass of the defendant for purposes of his guilty plea. The trial court’s canvass consisted of detailed questions contained in approximately thirty pages of the printed transcript.

The trial court questioned the defendant extensively regarding his understanding of the charges against him, his comprehension of the potential penalties he faced by pleading guilty, the constitutional rights he waived by pleading guilty, and whether he made the plea voluntarily and free from coercion. The defendant indicated in response to each question that he had discussed the issue with counsel and wished to plead guilty. Additionally, the trial court asked the defendant whether he had taken any drugs or alcohol in the previous forty-eight hours. The defendant responded in the negative.

The United States Supreme Court in Godinez v. Moran, 509 U.S. 389, 399, 113 S. Ct. 2680, 125 L. Ed. 2d 321 (1993), established that, for federal constitutional purposes, the standard of competency required to stand trial is the same as the degree of competency required to plead guilty or to waive the right to counsel. This court also has recognized that the competency standards for standing trial and other parts of a criminal proceeding are equivalent. State v. Day, 233 Conn. 813, 825, 661 A.2d 539 (1995) (same competency standard applies to ability to stand trial as to waiving right to counsel).

In Day, we interpreted the court’s decision in Godinez as establishing that “any criminal defendant who has been found competent to stand trial, ipso facto, is competent to waive the right to counsel as a matter of federal constitutional law.” Id., 824. Furthermore, we explained that although states may require a higher degree of competency than the standard outlined in Dusky v. United States, supra, 362 U.S. 403, “[w]hatever standard is employed . . . must be applied equally at the various stages of a trial to pass constitutional muster.” State v. Day, supra, 824. Additionally, prior to Godinez, in Myers v.

Manson, 192 Conn. 383, 389-90, 472 A.2d 759 (1984), this court rejected a defendant’s claim that a higher competency standard applied to his guilty plea than to the determination of his ability to stand trial. In Myers, the court concluded that the trial court’s canvass of the defendant prior to accepting his guilty plea demonstrated the defendant’s competency. Id., 389-91. The court explained that “[i]mplicit in the scrutiny of the plea at the trial level and on appeal is an inquiry into whether the defendant was competent to plead. . . .

Hence, the trial court’s acceptance of the plea after a thorough inquiry . . . implies that the [defendant] was competent to enter that plea.” (Citations omitted.) Id., 390; see also State v. Watson, supra, 198 Conn. 604. In the present case, the canvass of the defendant amply supports the trial court’s finding that the defendant was competent to plead guilty. See State v. Wolff, supra, 237 Conn. 665-66 (defendant’s responses during canvass supported finding of competency to waive right to counsel); State v.

Watson, supra, 198 Conn. 606-607 (trial court’s canvass supported finding of competency to plead guilty); Myers v. Manson, supra, 192 Conn. 390-91 (canvass supported habeas court’s conclusion that defendant was competent). Throughout the canvass the defendant demonstrated his clear understanding of the charges against him and the implications of his guilty plea. The defendant provided appropriate and coherent responses to the court’s questions and indicated that he had consulted with defense counsel regarding the various aspects of his guilty plea. See State v. Janice, 20 Conn.

App. 212, 214, 565 A.2d 553, cert. denied, 213 Conn. 811, 568 A.2d 795 (1989) (“intelligent and articulate dialogue” with judge demonstrated defendant’s competency). Furthermore, the defendant paused repeatedly during the lengthy canvass to consult with counsel before answering specific questions. Thus, the record of the canvass establishes that the defendant comprehended the proceedings and was able to consult with and assist counsel in the presentation of his case. Accordingly, the defendant was competent to plead guilty.

Applying the Godinez principles to the present case, the same measure of competency applied at the time that the trial court denied the defendant’s first motion for a competency evaluation as to his guilty plea entered immediately thereafter. Thus, the trial court’s extensive canvass of the defendant, prior to accepting his guilty plea, necessarily included a determination that the defendant was competent. See State v.

Vane, 322 A.2d 58, 61 (Me. 1974) (explaining that finding that plea is voluntary and intelligent after extensive canvass “subsumes and definitively determines that the plea was made by a competent defendant”). Because the same competency standard applied to both determinations and because the canvass occurred immediately after defense counsel raised the issue of competency, implicit in the trial court’s conclusion that the defendant was competent to plead guilty is its finding that the defendant was also competent to stand trial.

C The defendant also argues that the trial court’s denial of his two subsequent motions for a competency examination and its failure to order a competency examination sua sponte when defense counsel raised the issue on a fourth occasion deprived him of due process because he was incompetent to stand trial. We conclude that the defendant was competent to stand trial on those later occasions. As explained previously, the defendant was competent when he pleaded guilty. Less than three months passed between the defendant’s guilty plea and his second motion for a competency evaluation.

Defense counsel based the later motions for a competency examination on changes in the defendant’s demeanor, an increase in medication and his refusal to attend court proceedings. Although defense counsel’s concerns are an important indicator of a defendant’s incompetency, we do not find that the factors cited by defense counsel here established the defendant’s incompetency. Again, the fact that the defendant received medication was not sufficient, in and of itself, to establish incompetency.

Additionally, defense counsel never specifically indicated that the medication interfered with the defendant’s ability to comprehend the proceedings. Furthermore, the trial court expressly noted that from its observations the defendant appeared competent. Nothing transpired between December 10, 1992, and March 3, 1993, that required the trial court to order a competency examination. Similarly, the trial court did not abuse its discretion on March 4,1993, when it denied defense counsel’s third motion for a competency evaluation.

On that occasion, defense counsel reiterated their concerns regarding the defendant’s medications and indicated that the defendant again had refused to attend court proceedings. The record shows that the defendant’s refusal to come to court stemmed from his anger with defense counsel’s alleged failure to keep a promise rather than from the defendant’s incompetency. The defendant’s dissatisfaction with defense counsel does not indicate his incompetency. See State v. Johnson, 22 Conn.

App. 477, 489, 578 A.2d 1085, cert. denied, 216 Conn. 817, 580 A.2d 63 (1990) (defendant’s “obstreperous, uncooperative or belligerent behavior” including refusal to return to court and hostility toward attorney did not necessarily indicate defendant’s incompetency); Commonwealth v. Logan, 519 Pa. 607, 623-24, 549 A.2d 531 (1988) (refusal to cooperate with defense strategy and display of childish behavior at trial does not necessarily constitute incompetence).

Although defense counsel stated that the defendant’s medications may have caused his refusal to cooperate with counsel, the record demonstrates that the medications did not interfere with his ability to consult with defense counsel or to assist in his defense. See United States v. Caldwell, 543 F.2d 1333, 1349 n.70 (D.C. Cir. 1974), cert. denied, 423 U.S. 1087, 96 S. Ct. 877, 47 L. Ed. 2d 97 (1976) (mere uncooperativeness with defense counsel does not prove inability to communicate and, therefore, does not prove incompetency). “[The defendant] had the ability to cooperate but did not want to do so.” State v.

Johnson, supra, 489; see also Commonwealth v. Logan, supra, 624 (“ ‘issue is the defendant’s ability to cooperate and not whether he is actually cooperating’ ”). Finally, the record reveals that the defendant was competent when defense counsel raised the competency issue for the fourth and final time on March 9, 1993. On that occasion, defense counsel simply mentioned the issue of competency in the context of a discussion regarding a change of psychiatrists and the release of medical records. Defense counsel did not make a motion, pursuant to § 54-56d, for a competency evaluation.

The trial court did not respond to defense counsel’s comments and defense counsel did not raise the issue thereafter. Again, defense counsel made no specific reference as to why he felt that the defendant was incompetent and, therefore, unable to assist counsel.

D Because we conclude that in accepting the defendant’s guilty plea, the trial court implicitly found him competent, and because our own review of the record demonstrates that this finding was not an abuse of discretion, the trial court’s failure to provide a competency evaluation did not deprive the defendant of due process under the state or federal constitutions. Accordingly, we conclude that the impropriety of the trial court’s failure to order a competency evaluation was harmless.

II We next address the defendant’s claim that the trial court improperly accepted his plea of guilty in violation of the federal and state due process clauses and his rights to ensure an informed and voluntary plea pursuant to Practice Book §§ 39-19 and 39-20. The defendant argues on appeal that his guilty plea violated due process because it was not knowing, intelligent or voluntary. Additionally, the defendant claims that the trial court failed to comply substantially with the procedures for acceptance of a guilty plea contained in §§ 39-19 and 39-20.

The following additional facts are relevant to our resolution of these claims. On December 10, 1992, the defendant appeared before the trial court and pleaded guilty to the first three counts of the amended information. After the defendant entered his guilty plea and the state recited the factual basis for the charges, the trial court canvassed the defendant regarding his plea.

The trial court questioned the defendant extensively regarding each charge, the potential penalties for each charge, the factual basis for the plea and whether the defendant understood the constitutional rights he waived by pleading guilty. Thereafter, the trial court accepted the defendant’s guilty plea finding that it was made knowingly, intelligently, voluntarily and with a full understanding of the crimes, penalties and consequences of the guilty plea. The trial court also found that the plea was made with adequate assistance of counsel and that a factual basis for the plea existed.

A First, we review the defendant’s assertion that he did not understand the law in relation to the facts and, therefore, his plea of guilty was not knowing, intelligent or voluntary, because: (1) the charging document was complex and confusing; (2) the trial court failed to advise him of an essential element of the capital felony count; (3) he was confused about the sentencing consequences of his guilty plea; and (4) he did not understand that his guilty plea waived all nonjurisdictional defects. We reject these claims.

Before addressing the defendant’s claims, we review the well established standards for valid guilty pleas. It is axiomatic that “[u]nless a plea of guilty is made knowingly and voluntarily, it has been obtained in violation of due process and is therefore voidable. State v. Childree, 189 Conn. 114, 119, 454 A.2d 1274 (1983); see McCarthy v. United States, 394 U.S. 459, 466, 89 S. Ct. 1166, 22 L. Ed. 2d 418 (1969); State v. Lopez, 197 Conn. 337, 341, 497 A.2d 390 (1985).

When a defendant pleads guilty, he waives important fundamental constitutional rights, including the privilege against self-incrimination, the right to a jury trial, and the right to confront his accusers. . . . These considerations demand the utmost solicitude of which courts are capable in canvassing the matter with the accused to make sure he has a full understanding of what the plea connotes and its consequences. Boykin v. Alabama, [395 U.S. 238, 243-44, 89 S. Ct. 1709, 23 L. Ed. 2d 274 (1969)]. State v.

Childree, supra, 120. “We, therefore, require the trial court affirmatively to clarity on the record that the defendant’s guilty plea was made intelligently and voluntarily. State v. Childree, supra, 189 Conn. 120. In order to make a knowing and voluntary choice, the defendant must possess an understanding of the law in relation to the facts, including all relevant information concerning the sentence. State v. Collins, 176 Conn. 7, 9, 404 A.2d 871 (1978). ... A determination as to whether a plea has been knowingly and voluntarily entered entails an examination of all of the relevant circumstances. State v.

Wright, 207 Conn. 276, 287, 542 A.2d 299 (1988).” (Citations omitted; internal quotation marks omitted.) State v. Garvin, 242 Conn. 296, 310, 699 A.2d 921 (1997); see generally State v. Domian, 235 Conn. 679, 686-87, 668 A.2d 1333 (1996); State v. Nelson, 221 Conn. 635, 639-40, 605 A.2d 1381 (1992); State v. Badgett, 220 Conn. 6, 11-13, 595 A.2d 851 (1991). 1 The defendant first claims that due to the complex and confusing nature of the information he did not understand the law in relation to the facts of the case.

In particular, the defendant cites the inclusion, in count one, of both intentional murder pursuant to § 53a-54a and felony murder pursuant to § 53a-54c. Although the defendant concedes that the two charges are “legally reconcilable” and that we previously have approved joinder of the two charges; see, e.g., State v. Couture, 194 Conn. 530, 560, 482 A.2d 300 (1984), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 1192, 105 S. Ct. 967, 83 L. Ed. 2d 971 (1985); State v. Chicano, 216 Conn. 699, 708, 584 A.2d 425 (1990), cert. denied, 501 U.S. 1254, 111 S. Ct. 2898, 115 L.

Ed. 2d 1062 (1991); he advances no reason for overruling these decisions, nor do we find one. Additionally, the defendant provides no basis for his assertion that the charge contributed to his confusion. Therefore, he has failed to demonstrate that the alleged constitutional violations deprived him of a fair trial. State v. Golding, 213 Conn. 233, 239-40, 567 A.2d 823 (1989). The defendant also argues that count two was confusing and, therefore, jeopardized his understanding of the law in relation to the facts.

Count two of the amended information charged the defendant with capital felony predicated on both burglary and felony murder. The defendant contends that felony murder may not constitute the underlying offense for a capital felony charge because only intentional murders may serve as the predicate offense for such a charge. Therefore, the defendant argues, count two contained capital felony charges based on murder, a death eligible charge, and felony murder, a charge that is not death eligible, and he did not fully comprehend this distinction.

The defendant correctly concludes that felony murder may not serve as a predicate offense for a capital felony charge under § 53a-54b. State v. Harrell, 238 Conn. 828, 831-39, 681 A.2d 944 (1996). The inclusion, however, of the capital felony charge based on felony murder did not render the defendant’s plea unknowing, involuntary or unintelligent. Despite the fact that the capital felony charge predicated on felony murder was invalid, the defendant nonetheless pleaded guilty to an additional capital felony charge predicated on murder pursuant to § 53a-54a.

Thus, by pleading guilty to a second capital felony charge the defendant faced either life imprisonment without the possibility of release or the death penalty regardless of the validity of his plea to the felony murder based capital felony. Accordingly, the exclusion of the felony murder based capital felony charge would not have affected the defendant’s decision to plead guilty because he faced the same penalty regardless of the inclusion of that charge. Additionally, the canvass reveals that the defendant clearly understood the potential penalties for a capital felony conviction.

When the trial court asked him whether he knew about the penalties for the capital felony charge, the defendant correctly responded that the penalties were either life imprisonment without the possibility of release or the death penalty.

Therefore, the record of the guilty plea canvass supports the conclusion that the defendant’s guilty plea passed constitutional muster. 2 The defendant also alleges that he did not understand the law of the crimes charged in relation to the facts of his case because the trial court did not read to him that portion of the capital felony statute containing the requirement that the victim was “acting within the scope of his duties . . . .” General Statutes (Rev. to 1991) § 53a-54b (1).

The defendant argues that the scope of duty element was critical to his understanding of the capital felony charge and that it is not appropriate, in these circumstances, to presume that defense counsel provided an adequate explanation of the charge. We disagree.

We begin by reiterating that “the [defendant’s] plea could not be voluntary in the sense that it constituted an intelligent admission that he committed the offense unless the defendant received real notice of the true nature of the charge against him, the first and most universally recognized requirement of due process.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) Henderson v. Morgan, 426 U.S. 637, 645, 96 S. Ct. 2253, 49 L. Ed. 2d 108 (1976); see also Paulsen v. Manson, 203 Conn. 484, 490, 525 A.2d 1315 (1987); State v. Eason, 192 Conn. 37, 43-44, 470 A.2d 688 (1984), overruled in part on other grounds, Paulsen v.

Manson, supra, 491. However, “[w]e recognize that Henderson . . . falls short of announcing a per se rule that notice of the true nature of a charge always requires a description of every element of the offense. . . . The trial court’s failure to explicate an element renders the plea invalid only where the omitted element is a critical one . . . and only where it is not appropriate to presume that defense counsel has explained the nature of the offense in sufficient detail to give the accused notice of what he is being asked to admit.” (Citations omitted.) State v.

Childree, supra, 189 Conn. 123; see also Oppel v. Lopes, 200 Conn. 553, 558, 512 A.2d 888 (1986). We acknowledge that the trial court did not recite the specific portion of § 53a-54b (1) pertaining to the scope of duty requirement. Nonetheless, on the basis of our review of the record and the transcripts, we conclude that the defendant was informed sufficiently of the pertinent element of the capital felony offense. Additionally, under the circumstances of the present case, it was appropriate for the trial court to presume that defense counsel explained each element of the capital offense charge to the defendant.

Our careful review of the record reveals that the defendant acquired knowledge of the scope of duty element from sources other than the trial court’s explanation of the charge. First, the information expressly contained the scope of duty element. See Oppel v. Lopes, supra, 200 Conn. 558 (finding it significant that indictment specifically contained element omitted from trial court’s recitation of pertinent statute). Second, after the defendant entered his guilty plea, the clerk of the court read each count of the information aloud and asked the defendant how he pleaded.

With reference to the capital felony charge in count two, the clerk specifically stated on two occasions that the defendant caused the death of the victim while the victim “was acting within the scope of his duties.” Third, throughout its summation of the facts at the plea proceeding, the state referred to the fact that the victim was in his police cruiser, on patrol and on duty at the time of murder. See State v. Eason, supra, 192 Conn. 44 (defendant on notice of elements of offense where state’s factual basis included all elements of offense).

Furthermore, during the canvass the defendant repeatedly stated that defense counsel had explained § 53a-54b (1) to him.

The trial court specifically asked the defendant whether defense counsel had “read [the capital felony] statute to you or have you read the statute prior to your guilty plea?” The defendant responded, “I have reviewed that with my attorneys and I stand by my plea of guilty as to that point.” Thereafter, when the trial court asked the defendant whether defense counsel had read him the penalty portion of § 53a-54b, he responded that “[m]y attorneys have read me all the statutes.” (Emphasis added.) See Bowers v. Warden, 19 Conn.

App. 440, 443, 562 A.2d 588, cert. denied, 212 Conn. 817, 565 A.2d 534 (1989) (trial court may rely on defendant’s responses during plea canvass in deciding he was informed adequately of elements of charged offenses). Moreover, later in the canvass, the defendant indicated that he had reviewed his plea with defense counsel for at least one entire day. On the basis of the foregoing, we conclude that the defendant had been adequately apprised of the scope of duty element in § 53a-54b (1). 3 The defendant also briefly argues that he was confused about the potential sentencing consequences of his guilty plea.

The defendant cites his erroneous responses to several of the trial court’s questions regarding the penalties for particular charges. We conclude that the defendant was informed adequately of the potential sentencing possibilities and, therefore, that his plea was knowingly made. At several points during the canvass, the defendant corrected himself after initially providing an inaccurate answer regarding the sentencing possibilities. Additionally, the trial court corrected the errors in the defendant’s responses, thus informing him of the correct penalties.

Furthermore, the defendant expressly stated that defense counsel had read to him the portions of the statutes pertaining to penalties and had informed him of the potential penalties, including the death penalty, that he faced as a result of his guilty plea. See id., 444 (finding that defendant was aware of potential penalties through defense counsel’s and trial court’s explanations).

Thus, the defendant knew the potential penalties and his guilty plea was knowingly and intelligently made. 4 Finally, the defendant claims that his guilty plea was not knowing or voluntary because he did not clearly understand that a guilty plea waives all nonjurisdic-tional defects. Specifically, the defendant asserts that although the trial court provided defense counsel with an opportunity to explain the waiver rule to the defendant during the canvass, the record does not establish exactly what defense counsel instructed on this issue.

Therefore, the defendant claims, it is unclear whether he understood the waiver rule. We reject this claim. It is well established that a voluntary and intelligent guilty plea operates as a waiver of all nonjurisdictionai defects. See State v. Reddick, 224 Conn. 445, 451, 619 A.2d 453 (1993); State v. Suggs, 194 Conn. 223, 227, 478 A.2d 1008 (1984); Cajigas v.

Warden, 179 Conn. 78, 81, 425 A.2d 571 (1979). “It is [however] not necessary for the trial court to canvass the defendant to determine that [he] understands that [his] plea of guilty or nolo contendere operates as a waiver of any challenge to pretrial proceedings.” State v. Gilnite, 202 Conn. 369, 383-84, 521 A.2d 547 (1987). Accordingly, the defendant’s claim that his guilty plea was not made knowingly or intelligently is without merit.

Although it was not required to do so, the trial court specifically asked the defendant whether he understood that his guilty plea waived his right to appeal all nonjurisdictionai defects of the conviction. Moreover, when the defendant responded in the negative, the trial court halted the proceedings and permitted defense counsel to meet with the defendant and explain to him the waiver doctrine. Thereafter, the defendant responded that defense counsel had assured him that the waiver of nonjurisdictionai defects would not be a problem.

In light of these circumstances, we reject the defendant’s claim that his plea was not knowing or intelligent. B We next address the defendant’s claim that the trial court’s canvass failed to comply substantially with the requirements of Practice Book §§ 39-19 and 39-20.

Specifically, the defendant contends that the canvass did not conform to the rules of practice because: (1) he did not understand the nature of the charges as required by § 39-19 (1); (2) the trial court failed to inform him of the mandatory minimum and nonsuspendable sentence for the burglary charge as required by § 39-19 (1) and (2); and (3) the trial court inadequately questioned the defendant regarding the voluntariness of his plea in accordance with § 39-20.

Because we conclude that the plea canvass complied with the relevant rules of practice, we reject the defendant’s claims. 1 The defendant first contends that the trial court failed to ensure that he understood “[t]he nature of the charge to which the plea is offered” as required by § 39-19 (1).

In support of his claim, the defendant repeats the arguments set forth in his constitutional challenge to his guilty plea, specifically, that: (1) the charging document was complex and confusing; (2) the trial court failed to advise him of an essential element of the crime of capital felony; (3) he was confused about the sentencing consequences of his guilty plea; and (4) he did not understand that a guilty plea waives all nonjurisdic-tionai defects.

As we have concluded previously, the defendant’s guilty plea was made with knowledge of the charges to which the plea was offered and in accordance with the standards for due process. See

part II A of this opinion. Any failure by the trial court to comply strictly with the relevant Practice Book requirements did not affect the defendant’s ability to make a fully informed and voluntary plea decision. 2 The defendant also maintains that the trial court violated § 39-19 (2) and (3) by failing to advise him of the nonsuspendable, mandatory minimum sentence applicable to the burglary charges in count three.

We conclude that this omission did not impact the defendant’s decision to plead guilty and, therefore, did not render his plea invalid. “[B]ecause the determination as to whether a plea has been knowingly and voluntarily entered entails an examination of all of the relevant circumstances . . . the plea may satisfy constitutional requirements even in the absence of literal compliance with the prophylactic safeguards of [§§ 39-19 and 39-20]. . . .

Thus, although the trial court never expressly informed the defendant of the mandatory minimum sentence ... as required by [§ 39-19 (2)], that fact alone is not dispositive of the defendant’s constitutional claim. We must determine, instead, whether, in light of all of the circumstances evident from the record before us, the trial court’s failure to inform the defendant of the statutorily required minimum sentence rendered his guilty plea unknowing or involuntary.” (Citations omitted; internal quotation marks omitted.) State v. Domian, supra, 235 Conn. 687-88.

Our resolution of the defendant’s claim is guided by our opinion in Domian, wherein we concluded that “[o]ur inquiry . . . must focus upon the effect, if any, that the trial court’s noncompliance with [§ 39-19 (2)] had on the defendant’s ability to make a fully informed and voluntary plea decision. Thus, the ultimate issue to be resolved is whether the defendant was aware of actual sentencing possibilities, and, if not, whether accurate information would have made any difference in his decision to enter a [guilty] plea.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) Id., 688; see also State v.

Wright, supra, 207 Conn. 288 (failure to advise defendant of mandatory minimum sentence did not jeopardize constitutional rights where plea intelligently and voluntarily made). “[T]here is nothing in the record of the trial court proceedings to suggest that the defendant was unaware of the actual sentencing possibilities and, further, that even if his understanding of the possible sentencing alternatives was less than perfect, the record does not support a claim that any additional information would have made a difference in his decision to plead guilty.” State v. Domian, supra, 235 Conn. 689.

The defendant, by virtue of his guilty plea to the other charges, faced a minimum penalty of life imprisonment without the possibility of release. Thus, the trial court’s failure to inform him of a mandatory, nonsuspendable five year sentence for the burglary charge did not mislead the defendant about the possible sentencing outcomes. Additionally, we find it incomprehensible that the five year minimum sentence for burglary would have altered the defendant’s decision to plead guilty.

Accordingly, the trial court’s failure to follow strictly the requirements of § 39-19 (2) and (3) did not undermine the voluntariness of the defendant’s plea. 3 Finally, the defendant argues that the trial court did not fully inquire into whether prior discussions with the prosecutor had affected his decision to plead guilty as required by Practice Book § 39-20. Our review of the transcripts of the plea canvass reveals that the trial court specifically asked the defendant whether the prosecutor had promised to drop any charges in exchange for the defendant’s guilty plea.

The defendant responded that the prosecutor simply had offered to drop the charges of larceny and stealing a firearm, contained in counts four through twenty-four of the amended information. Thus, the trial court fully complied with § 39-20. Ill The defendant also claims that, with respect to his motion to withdraw his guilty plea, the trial court improperly (1) rejected his motion to withdraw his guilty plea without holding an evidentiary hearing, and (2) declined to appoint new counsel to assist him with the motion.

We conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion and, accordingly, we reject the defendant’s claims. The following additional facts are relevant to our resolution of these claims. Subsequent to the jury’s verdict in the penalty phase, the trial court convened on June 10,1993, to sentence the defendant. The trial court imposed a sentence for the burglary charge, and then recessed briefly before sentencing the defendant on the capital felony count. Prior to the trial court’s sentencing on the capital felony conviction, defense counsel indicated that the defendant wanted to address the court personally.

Defense counsel also indicated that they had not advised the defendant to address the court and that, based upon their knowledge of the defendant’s intended comments, they believed that the trial court should consider appointing additional counsel to represent the defendant.

In response, the trial court informed the defendant that, although it was common at that particular time in the proceedings for a defendant to address the court and request a mitigation of his sentence, in the present situation the court was required to impose the death penalty and, therefore, the defendant’s comments could only jeopardize future appeals. After a sidebar conference with defense counsel, the trial court agreed that it was not appropriate to deny the defendant’s request and permitted him to address the court.

The defendant then stated: “Your Honor, I would just like to say that my plea of guilty was not voluntary and . . . was not made with my full understanding and I ask that the court . . . permit me to withdraw my plea of guilty.” Judge Corrigan denied the defendant’s request to withdraw his plea, stating that “ [h] aving been one of the panel of three judges who accepted your plea and the one who questioned you and canvassed you on your plea, the court is not moved by your statement, so the court denies your oral motion to have the prior plea vacated.” The standard governing the withdrawal of a guilty plea is well settled. “Before a guilty plea is accepted a defendant may withdraw it as a matter of right. . . .

After a guilty plea is accepted but before the imposition of sentence the court is obligated to permit withdrawal upon proof of one of the grounds in [Practice Book § 39-27, formerly § 721].” (Citation omitted.) State v. Torres, 182 Conn. 176, 185, 438 A.2d 46 (1980); see Practice Book § 39-26, formerly § 720; see also State v. Lloyd, supra, 199 Conn. 362; State v. Watson, supra, 198 Conn. 607; State v. Martin, 197 Conn. 17, 20, 495 A.2d 1028 (1985); State v. Lasher, 190 Conn. 259, 265, 460 A.2d 970 (1983).

In the present case, the defendant, in his oral motion to withdraw his guilty plea, claimed that the acceptance of his guilty plea was in violation of § 39-27 (1) and (2) because it was not knowing or voluntary. A First, the defendant contends that the trial court improperly denied his motion to withdraw his guilty plea without affording him an evidentiary hearing.

We conclude that the defendant’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea was vague and conclusory, and, therefore, an evidentiary hearing was not required. “An evidentiary hearing is not required if the record of the plea proceeding and other information in the court file conclusively establishes that the motion is without merit. See Fontaine v. United States, 411 U.S. 213, 215, 93 S. Ct. 1461, 36 L. Ed. 2d 169 (1973). . . . State v. Torres, [supra, 182 Conn. 185]. The burden is always on the defendant to show a plausible reason for the withdrawal of a plea of guilty. [State v.

Crenshaw, 210 Conn. 304, 308, 554 A.2d 1074 (1989)] Blue v. Robinson, 173 Conn. 360, 374, 377 A.2d 1108 (1977); State v. Slater, 169 Conn. 38, 46, 362 A.2d 499 (1975). In considering whether to hold an evidentiary hearing on a motion to withdraw a guilty plea the court may disregard any allegations of fact, whether contained in the motion or made in an offer of proof, which are either conclusory, vague or oblique. State v. Torres, supra, 185. Such allegations are discountenanced. State v. Deboben, 187 Conn. 469, 474, 446 A.2d 828 (1982).

To warrant consideration, the defendant must allege and provide facts which justify permitting him to withdraw his plea under [§ 39-27].” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) State v. Lasher, supra, 190 Conn. 265-66; see also State v. Blue, 230 Conn. 109, 125, 644 A.2d 859 (1994); State v. Collins, 207 Conn. 590, 597, 542 A.2d 1131 (1988). In the present case, the defendant failed to satisfy his burden of setting forth sufficient facts to require an evidentiary hearing on his motion to withdraw his guilty plea.

The defendant simply made the vague and conclusory statement that his plea was not “voluntary . . . and was not made with [his] full understanding . . . .” The defendant failed to set forth any additional facts supporting this statement and failed to advance any specific reason why his plea was involuntary and made without his full understanding. See State v. Cooper, 55 Conn. App. 95, 105, 738 A.2d 1125 (1999) (motion to withdraw contained no facts to support; defendant’s claim); State v. Peterson, 51 Conn.

App. 645, 652, 725 A.2d 333 (1999) (defendant’s “bare assertion” that he was using drugs at time of plea did not warrant evidentiary hearing); State v. Casado, 42 Conn. App. 371, 375, 680 A.2d 981, cert. denied, 239 Conn. 920, 682 A.2d 1006 (1996) (“mere assertion by the defendant that the plea was involuntary . . . does not entitle [him] to withdraw the plea, nor does it require ... an evidentiary hearing on the motion to withdraw”).

Additionally, the defendant’s assertion that his plea was not voluntarily and intelligently made contradicts the detailed plea canvass conducted by the trial court, in which the defendant expressly stated that he understood the implications of his plea, had received advice and assistance of counsel in preparing to plea, and had entered the guilty plea voluntarily. See People v. Williams, 178 App. Div. 2d 570, 577 N.Y.S.2d 656 (1991) (defendant’s claims in motion for withdrawal of guilty plea did not require hearing where refuted by record of plea canvass).

In light of the comprehensive canvass conducted by the trial court; see, e.g., footnotes 37, 41 and 47 of this opinion; and our previous conclusion that the defendant’s plea was entered voluntarily with full knowledge of the consequences of his plea, the defendant’s bare and unsupported assertion in support of his motion did not warrant an evidentiary hearing. In this situation the trial court was entitled to rely on its knowledge of the canvass, which it had conducted itself. See Fluitt v. Superintendent, 480 F.

Sup. 81, 85 (1979) (noting that only in rare situations will defendant be entitled to evidentiary hearing). Accordingly, the trial court acted within the legitimate bounds of its discretion in not undertaking an evidentiary hearing regarding the defendant’s motion to withdraw his plea. B The defendant also argues that the trial court improperly denied his request for appointment of new counsel to assist him with his motion to withdraw his guilty plea. We conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in declining to appoint new counsel. The following facts are relevant to our discussion.

Before the defendant addressed the trial court, defense counsel informed the court that, based upon their knowledge of the content of the defendant’s proposed statement, they believed that “it would be appropriate and proper for the court to consider appointing him additional counsel to press before the court in a proper manner the claims which he intends to make to the court.” The trial court acknowledged defense counsel’s request but never specifically denied it. Instead, the trial court addressed the defendant directly, urging him to reconsider his statement and to consult with defense counsel.

First, we reiterate the standard under which we consider the defendant’s claim. “Whether the circumstances warrant the appointment of new counsel is within the discretion of the trial court. . . . [A]bsent a factual record revealing an abuse of [the court’s] discretion, the court’s failure to allow new counsel is not reversible error.” (Citation omitted; internal quotation marks omitted.) State v. Crenshaw, supra, 210 Conn. 314; see also State v. Drakeford, 202 Conn. 75, 83, 519 A.2d 1194 (1987). In State v. Cooper, supra, 55 Conn. App. 95, and State v. Casado, supra, 42 Conn.

App. 371, the Appellate Court rejected claims similar to the defendant’s arguments. In Cooper, the defendant had moved to withdraw her plea of guilty to manslaughter in the first degree and risk of injury to a child, claiming that she had received ineffective assistance of counsel and that her plea was unknowing and involuntary. State v. Cooper, supra, 101. The trial court refused defense counsel’s request for appointment of new counsel to represent the defendant on the motion to withdraw her plea. Id., 102-103.

On appeal, the Appellate Court affirmed the trial court’s refusal to appoint new counsel, concluding that the trial court had acted within its discretion despite the defendant’s assertions that a conflict existed between herself and defense counsel. Id., 106-107. In Casado, the Appellate Court affirmed the trial court’s refusal to appoint new counsel to assist with the defendant’s motion to withdraw her plea of nolo contendere to assault in the first degree and risk of injury to a child. State v. Casado, supra, 42 Conn. App. 380-81.

In that case, the defendant had moved to withdraw her plea at her sentencing hearing on the ground that defense counsel had pressured her to enter the plea. Defense counsel informed the court that the defendant no longer wanted him to represent her and suggested that the trial court appoint new counsel and provide an evidentiary hearing. The trial court denied both requests. Id., 373-74.

The Appellate Court affirmed the denial of an eviden-tiary hearing and the refusal to appoint new counsel, concluding that the trial court had not abused its discretion in refusing to appoint new counsel to press the defendant’s motion to withdraw her plea. Id., 379. The Appellate Court noted that “[t]he constitutional right to counsel does not necessarily include the unbridled right to discharge counsel and have new counsel appointed.” Id., 378.

The Appellate Court concluded that, by denying the defendant’s request for an eviden-tiary hearing, the trial court had rejected explicitly the defendant’s assertions of pressure and, therefore, appointment of new counsel was not required. Id., 379. As in Casado and Cooper, the trial court in the present case acted within its discretion when it declined to appoint new counsel. It is clear from the record that the defendant had consulted with defense counsel prior to addressing the court.

Defense counsel assisted as much as they thought was appropriate, and even requested a sidebar conference to inform the court of the content of the defendant’s proposed statement and to encourage the court to permit the defendant to address the court. See Fluitt v. Superintendent, supra, 480 F. Sup. 86 (defense counsel “scrupulously avoided doing or saying anything which might impede the petitioner’s pro se motion”). Furthermore, defense counsel indicated that they had provided advice regarding the statement.

In these circumstances, we conclude that while defense counsel did not join specifically in the defendant’s motion, the defendant had sufficient opportunity to advance his cause. See id., 85 (despite defense counsel’s failure to join in motion to withdraw, defendant’s grounds in support of motion adequately presented). Accordingly, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in declining to appoint new counsel to assist the defendant with his motion to withdraw his plea of guilty.

The defendant also claims a violation of Practice Book § 44-3, which requires that the trial court question the defendant before accepting a waiver of the right to counsel. See footnote 48 of this opinion. As explained previously, defense counsel made statements to the court regarding the possible need for additional counsel. The defendant now claims that he was not represented when he made his motion to withdraw his guilty plea. The transcript reveals that the defendant had not waived counsel in connection with his motion, and had not declined the assistance of defense counsel who had represented him at trial.

Moreover, that same defense counsel continued to assist the defendant subsequent to the denial of the motion to withdraw. Accordingly, we conclude that the defendant was represented at the time that the trial court imposed a sentence and, therefore, the trial court was not required to undertake an inquiry pursuant to § 44-3. See State v. Casado, supra, 42 Conn. App. 379-82.

IV Under our capital offense sentencing scheme, a capital defendant may not be sentenced to death unless the state establishes the existence of an aggravating factor beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defendant fails to establish a mitigating factor by a preponderance of the evidence. General Statutes § 53a-46a (f). In the present case, the jury rejected the aggravating factor of “especially depraved,” but did find as an aggravating factor that the defendant had committed the offense of capital felony in an “especially cruel and heinous manner.” See General Statutes (Rev. to 1991) § 53a-46a (h) (4).

The jury’s verdict also indicated that it had found no mitigating factor. The defendant claims that the evidence adduced at trial did not support the jury’s finding of an aggravating factor. We are constrained to agree. Consequently, principles of double jeopardy require us to reverse the judgment imposing the death penalty and to remand the case to the trial court with direction to impose on the defendant a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of release. State v.

Daniels, 207 Conn. 374, 397-99, 542 A.2d 306, after remand for articulation, 209 Conn. 225, 550 A.2d 885 (1988), cert. denied, 489 U.S. 1069, 109 S. Ct. 1349, 103 L. Ed. 2d 817 (1989). A In deciding whether the evidence adduced at trial failed to support the jury’s finding of an aggravating factor, we begin with a recitation of the evidence supporting the jury’s verdict. In June, 1991, Bagshaw was a state trooper assigned to Troop K in Colchester. His duties included conducting security checks of commercial establishments located on his patrol route.

On June 5, 1991, Bagshaw was assigned to patrol Windham and nearby towns. Part of his patrol ran along Route 6. One of the businesses located on that road in North Windham was the sporting goods store, Land and Sea, which sold guns and ammunition, hunting and fishing supplies and boats and boating equipment. Bagshaw commenced his patrol and reported to the barracks by radio several times on routine matters. Shortly before 3 a.m., he drove past the Land and Sea, heading east on Route 6, and his last transmission, which pertained to an abandoned vehicle, was at 3:02 a.m.

At approximately 3:15 a.m., Richard Serwanski spotted Bagshaw’s cruiser outside the Land and Sea. Ser-wanski, who occasionally worked at the Land and Sea, summoned its owner Steven Winick, who lived nearby. Joined ten minutes later by Winick, together the two men approached Bagshaw’s cruiser. They found both the right rear passenger window and the driver’s side window shattered, the strobe lights flashing, the headlights and spotlight still on, the gearshift still in drive, and the vehicle stationary, resting against a boat.

Bag-shaw’s body was in the front seat slumped over toward the passenger side, his weapon still in his gunbelt. Ser-wanski saw that Bagshaw had been shot and attempted to render medical assistance, but despite his efforts and those of additional police, fire and medical personnel, Bagshaw was pronounced dead at the scene. Before closing and alarming the store for the evening on June 4,1991, Winick had locked up two large pistols, a Wilkinson “Linda” and a Thompson “Contender,” along with several rifles and shotguns. None of the weapons was loaded.

Subsequently, it was discovered that the alarm and telephone wires, located on the outside of the west wall of the shop, had been ripped out or cut, the cash register lay empty on the floor, drawers and cabinets were open, and several knives were missing from the display case. A cable that Winick had run through the trigger guards of the rifles for security purposes had been cut, and twenty-two firearms were missing. Some long guns remained in the rack and others were piled nearby. On the floor, there was an empty twenty-round box of Federal Hydra-Shok hollow point ammunition.

A boat had been moved from a location in the yard nearby to under the octagonal window on the shop’s west wall. Numerous items that had been removed from the store were found stockpiled near the boat. Ballistic evidence revealed that the weapon used to kill Bagshaw was a Wilkinson Linda, a semiautomatic nine millimeter pistol that has a magazine capacity of thirty-one rounds, and a trigger pull of six and one-half to six and three-quarters pounds. To operate the weapon, cartridges are manually inserted into the magazine, and the magazine is then inserted into the handgrip area of the pistol.

In order to “chamber” the first cartridge, the shooter must pull back the bolt; thereafter, each squeeze of the trigger discharges a shot and automatically chambers another cartridge. The gun can be fired as quickly as one can pull the trigger, and with each shot, a cartridge case is ejected from the gun. The fatal bullet recovered from Bagshaw’s body was identified as a copper jacketed, Federal Hydra-Shok hollow point nine millimeter bullet, which had been fired from the Wilkinson Linda.

According to Wayne Carver, chief state medical examiner, the bullet entered through the left arm hole of Bagshaw’s bulletproof vest. The fatal bullet did not pass through Bagshaw’s left arm. Because the bullet had passed through either the metal door or the glass window of the cruiser before striking the trooper, the bullet was deformed and the entry wound was “atypical” and “asymmetrical” in that “the bullet was not round when it hit the skin.” Consequently, the fatal bullet did not exhibit any mushrooming effect. The bullet passed through Bagshaw’s left lung and heart, lodging in his right shoulder.

The cause of death was this single gunshot wound to the chest. Additionally, a bullet fragment was recovered from Bagshaw’s arm, and a few minor abrasions on the back of the trooper’s arm and two wounds on his finger, caused probably by flying shrapnel or glass, were also discovered. Carver explained that Bagshaw essentially had bled to death. Most of the bleeding was internal, and the loss of blood was fairly rapid.

Carver testified that the wound was mortal “the instant [the bullet] went through him” because the sequence that caused Bagshaw’s death was “irrevocably started,” and there was no “medical procedure that could have repaired this wound to his heart.” According to Carver, Bagshaw remained conscious for anywhere from five seconds to one and one-half minutes after suffering the wound. Because people’s responses vary, Carver could not determine precisely how long Bagshaw had remained conscious.

He testified that Bagshaw survived “anywhere from large hunks of minutes to several minutes — and then the more minutes you tack on [while bleeding] the less likely, as you get up to ten, fifteen, or so forth.” Because Bagshaw’s brain showed no sign of swelling from lack of oxygen, which takes twenty to twenty-five minutes to occur, Carver could state with certainty that the trooper did not survive that long. There was extensive testimony regarding the crime scene. As described previously, the driver’s side window of Bagshaw’s cruiser was smashed, along with the right rear passenger window.

There were a large number of bullet holes in the driver’s door and front quarter panel, and a bullet hole through the front windshield. There were bullet fragments, inside the cruiser, and some fragments were embedded in the driver’s side door post and in the rear passenger door. Three bullet fragments were found outside the cruiser: one on Route 6; another across Route 6; and a third at the base of a boat located between Route 6 and the building.

All of the fragments were of Federal Hydra-Shok ammunition, or consistent therewith, and all had been fired from, or were consistent with having been fired from, the Wilkinson Linda pistol. In the grass under the octagonal window on the west wall of the shop, in addition to numerous weapons and other merchandise that had been removed during the course of the burglary, investigators recovered seventeen nine millimeter shell casings and two live rounds. Bagshaw’s weapon, which was still in its holster, contained one round in the chamber and fifteen rounds in the clip.

Based in part on bullet trajectories that had been provided to him by the state police forensic laboratory, Robert Mantho, a state trooper who specialized in traffic accident reconstruction, testified as to the position and path of Bagshaw’s cruiser during the time that the trooper was under attack. Based upon Mantho’s testimony, the evidence supported the inference that Bagshaw’s cruiser had traveled in a straight path for approximately thirty to thirty-five feet before coming to rest against the boat.

According to Mantho’s measurements, the shooter was probably twenty-five to thirty feet away from the cruiser when the shots were fired. The cruiser was moving very slowly or was almost stopped when the first bullet struck. It was also possible that the cruiser was stationary when the firing began and then began to accelerate, to one to three miles per hour, until it collided with the boat. The cruiser traveled approximately ten feet between the first bullet strike and the last.

Mantho testified that, if the cruiser had traveled at the rate of one mile per hour, the time between the first strike and the last was about 6.6 seconds. Henry Lee, chief criminalist and director of the state forensic laboratory, reconstructed the crime scene. On the basis of Lee’s testimony, the jury reasonably could have concluded that seventeen bullets struck, passed through, or passed by Bagshaw’s cruiser.

There were two bullet holes in the front windshield and twelve bullet holes in the driver’s side of the cruiser, either in the driver’s door, the front quarter panel or the column between the front and rear doors. Additionally, two bullets went through the driver’s window, one passing through the cruiser and exiting the rear passenger side window. Although the exterior metal portion of the driver’s door contained seven bullet holes, there were only two exit bullet holes on the interior side of the driver’s door, indicating that five bullets were imbedded inside the door.

Bullets entering the cruiser hit the organizer next to Bagshaw, the rear passenger door and the steering wheel. The evidence also supported the inference that the cruiser was in motion when the bullets hit it. The seventeen bullets were fired in two separate sequences. The first group was discharged at an angle of approximately thirty to forty degrees in relation to the cruiser, and the final group of nine shots was “a direct hit at ninety degrees” near the center of the driver’s side door. The first shot missed the cruiser completely, hitting a boat instead. The second and third shots hit the windshield.

The fatal shot was fired as part of the second group and went through the driver’s window before hitting Bagshaw. Relying on bloodstains, fingerprints and shoe prints on the boat as well as other evidence, Lee testified that the burglary had been committed by two persons, one who wore Nike sneakers and a second who wore Reebok sneakers. There was ample evidence linking the defendant to the crime. On June 7, 1991, the police searched the basement area of a house where the defendant resided. The house was located a few hundred yards from the Land and Sea.

The police seized, among other items, ammunition clips, knives, two duffle bags, a rifle, a shotgun, and a pair of Reebok sneakers. One of the duffle bags contained a box of twenty rounds of Federal Hydra-Shok nine millimeter ammunition and the Wilkinson Linda that had been stolen from the Land and Sea and was used to shoot Bagshaw. On June 5, 1991, at 3:45 a.m., Scott Ilewicz, a friend of the defendant, received a telephone call from the defendant asking to meet him because he needed to dispose of some weapons.

Ilewicz drove to the designated rendezvous spot where the defendant gave him numerous guns that, based upon their tags, Ilewicz assumed had been stolen. He turned the weapons over to the police after he learned of Bagshaw’s death. Also on June 5,1991, the defendant told a close friend that he had killed a policeman during the course of a burglary of a gun shop. He admitted that, after cutting the alarm wires at the shop, and after removing the weapons, he looked around a comer of the shop and saw a trooper with his lights on.

The defendant said he had an Uzi with a forty round clip, which he thought was an automatic. He pulled the trigger but only one shot discharged. He heard the officer say “Oh, my God,” and he continued to fire upon the car. The defendant confessed to others as well. He told Marjorie Shanaber-ger, the mother of his daughter, that he shot Bagshaw because, had he not, the officer would have shot him. He cried throughout most of this conversation and told her that he shot Bagshaw twenty-eight times because he was scared.

While he was at the Hartford correctional center, the defendant boasted to Brian Parisella, another inmate, that he had shot Bagshaw and that the trooper had gotten what he deserved. The defendant further stated that he had shot Bagshaw during the course of the burglary because he did not want to get caught and that if he was going to get in trouble, it was going to be for something big. The defendant told another inmate that, while he was stealing from the gun store, he emptied a clip from an Uzi into an officer’s cruiser.

He also told a correctional officer, Robert Wolstencroft, that he had chosen the Land and Sea because he had broken into it before and knew it had easy access. The defendant also said he knew how to get around the alarm system and was able to render it inoperative. During the course of the burglary of the Land and Sea, Bagshaw drove up the driveway and raised his left arm as the defendant began shooting. Using the nine millimeter semiautomatic pistol, the defendant continued to fire it until he ran out of ammunition.

According to Wolstencroft, the defendant acted proud and very sure of himself when relating this information. Specifically, the defendant told him that he did not regret shooting Bagshaw and that he would do it again. The jury also heard evidence from which it reasonably could have concluded that the defendant had burglarized the Land and Sea in October, 1990, that he had completed basic training with the National Guard in 1989, that he had qualified as a sharpshooter on the M-16 rifle in March, 1991, and that at the end of his National Guard service he had qualified as an expert shooter.

Finally, there was extensive evidence that the defendant was hostile to police, as evidenced by a verbal encounter he had had with Steven Fields, a state trooper, on June 5, 1991, and a conversation he had had with Melanie Bratavich, a woman with whom he had had a brief romance, during which he had related that he hated police officers and that he would kill one if given the chance. Additional facts will be discussed where relevant. B In reviewing a claim that “the evidence fail[ed] to support the finding of an aggravating factor specified in subsection (

h) of

section § 53a-46a”; General Statutes (Rev. to 1991) § 53a-46b (b) (2); we subject that finding “to the same independent and scrupulous examination of the entire record that we employ in our review of constitutional fact-finding, such as the voluntariness of a confession; S

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