Inmate, acting as own attorney, seeks hearing
A Washington County jail inmate who said he receives no prison wages and has no money in his inmate account asked county court to allow him to proceed as a pauper in his quest for a hearing.
William Prowitt, 43, of Avella, claimed that the Washington County office of adult probation is keeping him from obtaining a habeas corpus hearing, in which authorities would be required to show lawful grounds for his detention.
Prowitt was charged by state police in February, and he pleaded guilty in May in Washington County Court to public drunkeness, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. He was placed on probation for 90 days and taken into custody June 15.