Overview: The Right to Counsel

Defense lawyers help guarantee the fairness and accuracy of the criminal justice system, which is why every person accused of a crime has the right to the assistance of counsel.

In Texas, any person who is accused of a crime that carries a possible sentence of jail time — that is, any person charged with a felony or a Class A or B misdemeanor — and who cannot afford to hire a lawyer can ask the court to appoint a lawyer free of charge.

The right to counsel is protected both by the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and by Texas law.

If you are accused of a crime and would like information on how to request a court-appointed lawyer, please visit this page. For more information about what defense lawyers do, click here.