The former mayor faces nine felony charges in the case, which concerns his role supporting former President Donald Trump’s efforts to reverse election results in Arizona after losing to President Biden in 2020. Arizona was one of a handful of swing states that Biden won on his way to the White House.
Appearing virtually in Maricopa County Court on Tuesday, Giuliani said that he did not yet have a lawyer representing him, but that he would obtain counsel. When the court offered to provide an attorney, he declined.
”I think I’m capable of handling it myself,” said Giuliani, 79.
In Arizona, Giuliani has been charged with one count of conspiracy, two fraudulent scheme counts and six counts of forgery.
A 58-page indictment describes efforts by Giuliani and others to reverse the election results through pressure on elected officials, false election claims and the deployment of fake electors.