State v. Gentry, 227 N.C. App. 583 (Jun. 4, 2013)

The trial court did not abuse its discretion by denying defense counsel’s motion to withdraw or in the alternative for a continuance. In the four months prior to trial, the defendant failed to provide counsel with the names of potential defense witnesses. However, no justification was provided for the defendant’s failure and counsel did not express any certainty that information about potential witnesses would be forthcoming. Nor did counsel’s conclusory assertion that he could not prepare for trial because of communication problems with the defendant support the motion, particularly where the record indicated that the defendant was responsible for those difficulties.