Art. 511 Right to counsel

Anyone charged with a crime has the right to defend themselves and to have a lawyer help them. This is true no matter how big or small the criminal case is.

The rule also protects the relationship between the accused person and their lawyer. The lawyer must be allowed to meet with the client privately, without other people listening in. These meetings have to happen at reasonable times, so the lawyer can properly prepare a defense.

This means if you are locked up or facing charges, jail or court officials cannot block your lawyer from visiting you or force your conversations to happen where others can hear. Private, honest talks with your lawyer are a basic part of getting a fair defense.