What is a trial court's responsibility to ensure that a defendant's right to counsel is fully protected?

The trial court's responsibility to assure that a defendant's right to counsel is fully protected was also evident in People v. Crovedi, supra, 65 Cal.2d 199, 53 Cal.Rptr. 284, 417 P.2d 868. In that case, the trial court refused to grant a proposed seven-week continuance in the trial to permit the return of defendant's counsel, who had become ill during the trial. That attorney's law partner was appointed to represent the defendant and ordered to continue the trial, over the objections of the defendant and appointed counsel. Thus, the defendant was denied the assistance of his chosen counsel while being forced to proceed with another attorney.