UFC legend BJ Penn requests public defender in assault case

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) - Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Hall-of-Famer BJ Penn was back in court in Hilo on Friday and wants the public defender to represent him for free.

Penn was arrested twice over Memorial Day Weekend for allegedly assaulting his 79-year-old mother, Lorraine Shin.

During Friday’s hearing, the public defender’s office told the judge that Penn previously requested free representation, but his application was not complete.

District Court Judge Darien W.L. Ching Nagata, who is presiding over Penn’s case, gave the MMA fighter further instructions for requesting a public defender.

“They need more information from you, more detailed information,” Nagata said. “You can fill out another application, and fill it out with as much detail as you can.”

Former longtime public defender Titiimaea “Ti” Ta’ase said he has never heard of a public figure like Penn ask for a public defender.

Public defenders typically represent clients who cannot afford to hire outside representation.

“As long as you fall below a certain threshold, then you’re considered indigent, and then they can represent you for free,” Ta’ase said. “Why would he go with the public defender? I’m not entirely sure. You do have the right, if you can afford it, to an attorney of your choice.“

Prosecutors want Penn to undergo a court-ordered mental health exam, but he can’t do so until he has legal representation.

Penn is due back in court June 18.

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