In criminal cases, a defendant who is unable to afford an attorney has the right to court appointed counsel if: 1) the offense charged is punishable by more than 92 days in jail; or 2) the offense charged requires on conviction a minimum term in jail; or 3) the court determines that it might sentence the defendant to jail.
The court will appoint a lawyer in all cases involving a mentally ill or developmentally disabled person.
In all guardianship and conservatorship cases, the court will appoint
a guardian ad litem. A guardian ad litem, is a person appointed to protect
the interests of an infant, an incompetent adult, or a missing person who
is involved in a court case.
The court will appoint a guardian ad litem in cases of juvenile abuse
or neglect. The guardian ad litem may be an attorney.
You may want to ask the court if you qualify for a court appointed attorney, or a guardian ad litem.
2/99
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Last updated 2-5-99
Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161
E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014
or e mail to pharter@calhouncountymi.gov