SAN FRANCISCO (CN) — Despite repeated warnings from a federal judge, former San Francisco real estate investor and convicted fraudster Luke Brugnara will represent himself at trial over accusations he submitted false loan applications for pandemic-era relief programs.
“I am required to advise you, and I will, that you will do better with a trained lawyer representing you. It is generally unwise for anybody to represent themselves. You are not as familiar with the laws as an attorney; you are not as familiar with court procedure and court evidence. I really urge you not to represent yourself,” Senior U.S. District Judge Maxine M. Chesney said.
“If you are committed to it and think it is worth the risk, I think the law requires me to allow you to do it.”…