Local Rule 44.1 (Criminal): Right to and Assignment of Counsel

44.1 Right to and Assignment of Counsel If a defendant, appearing without an attorney in a criminal proceeding, desires to obtain an attorney, the Court shall grant a reasonable continuance for arraignment, not to exceed one week at any one time, for that purpose. If the defendant requests that the Court appoint an attorney or fails for an unreasonable time to appear with an attorney, the assigned District Judge or Magistrate Judge shall, subject to the applicable financial eligibility requirements, appoint an attorney unless the defendant, electing to proceed without an attorney, waives the right to an attorney in a manner that the District Judge or the Magistrate Judge approves. In that case, the District Judge or Magistrate Judge shall, nevertheless, designate an attorney to advise and assist the defendant to the extent the defendant might thereafter desire. The Court shall appoint an attorney in accordance with the Court's Plan adopted pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act of 1964 and on file with the Clerk.