This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013.
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In the United States, if you have been charged with a crime and cannot afford to hire a private defense attorney, a court-appointed attorney will be provided to you. This right is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. [1] X Research source Additionally, you should have been reminded of this right as part of the Miranda warning your received at the time of your arrest. [2] X Research source Typically, the process of getting a court-appointed defense attorney is as simple as asking for one, though you may have to prove that you cannot afford to hire an attorney yourself. [3] X Research source