§ 135.075 Obtaining counsel

If you're facing charges, the judge has to give you a fair chance to find a lawyer before moving forward with your case. This means the judge will pause the proceeding so you have time to line up legal help instead of being rushed into court without representation.

If you're being held in custody while waiting for a hearing or examination, you still have the right to reach out and find a lawyer. This includes being allowed reasonable access to a phone so you can make calls to contact an attorney or get help arranging one.

The word "counsel" here doesn't just mean a private attorney you hire yourself. It also includes a legal advisor that the court appoints for you under a related rule (ORS 135.045). So even if you can't afford your own lawyer, you're still entitled to time and access to get that appointed legal help lined up before your case moves forward.