I am not well-informed, but according to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miranda_warning :
>If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish.
>If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish.
I've always wondered this - what if I can afford a lawyer, but don't want to burn $500 talking to someone about a traffic citation? Do I then have to pay, and if so, what constitutes "cannot afford"?
Public defenders are notoriously overworked, and are often only allowed a few minutes per case. This is one of many aspects of the justice system that is completely eroded and disproportionately fails the poor.
http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/this-public-defender-...