A Gaston County man who represented himself on charges of drug possession without the help of a lawyer has won a new trial after a state appellate court ruled he should have had help from legal counsel.
James Eugene Pittman Jr., 33, of Gastonia, was given a probationary sentence after a 2018 conviction for possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine.
Gaston County Police arrested Pittman in November 2017 after reportedly finding one-fourth of an ounce of methamphetamine in his jacket pocket during a search at Pittman's home when police were looking for other suspects who were reported to be there.
On appeal, Pittman argued that he did not waive his right to legal counsel and that Superior Court Judge Nathaniel J. Poovey forced him to represent himself at trial.