Q: Why did I have to sign a waiver of public representation at a show cause?
The original case was assault & battery at the Juvenile & Domestic Relations court. I missed court and got a subpoena for a show cause. During that time they gave me a card to come back to court again for the assault and battery but the judge told me I cannot have a lawyer and I'm not sure why.
A: You have a constitutional right to an attorney and the judge can not prohibit you from hiring the attorney of your choice. However, it sounds like the judge may have determined that you do not qualify for a court appointed attorney or public defender. You must meet the court's standards for qualifying as indigent in order to receive court appointed counsel. It is likely that the judge said you could not get a court appointed attorney. However, you are able to hire any attorney with your own funds. You should speak with a criminal defense attorney in your local jurisdiction. Many offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case.
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