If my son-in-law was arrested for DWI and could not afford an attorney, why did the courts not provide one for him? This is in Texas.
Asked on 6/14/10, 10:39 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Walcutt
Law Office of Paul Holt Walcutt
Your son is required to prove that he meets the county standards for getting a court-appointed attorney. If he could not provide any proof or did not meet the standards, then the court doesn't have to give him a free attorney. (The qualification level is usually somewhere near the poverty line.) Because of this, he may have to find a way to hire an attorney and will have to shop around to find one he can afford.
Answered on 6/14/10, 1:47 pm