Rule 29.4 Responsibility for Determination of Eligibility

When someone needs a lawyer but cannot afford one, the court decides whether that person qualifies for a free, publicly funded attorney. The court itself makes this decision, or it can assign someone else to handle the review.

Even if a person does not meet the usual financial requirements for a free lawyer, the judge can still choose to appoint one. This gives the court some flexibility in making sure people have legal help when it is needed.