Legal Definitions - access to counsel

Access to counsel refers to the right of a defendant to have legal representation in court. This right is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution in criminal cases. If a defendant cannot afford to hire a lawyer, the court must appoint one for them.

• If someone is accused of a crime and cannot afford a lawyer, the court will provide one for them.
• In a case involving termination of parental rights, the defendant has the right to a court-appointed lawyer if they cannot afford one. However, this right is not always guaranteed, and it depends on the circumstances of the case.

These examples illustrate how access to counsel works in different legal situations. In criminal cases, the right to a lawyer is always guaranteed, while in other cases, it may depend on the specific circumstances. Access to counsel is important because it ensures that defendants have a fair trial and are not at a disadvantage due to their financial situation.