Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Re: not gilty plea

What you are asking for is a Public Defender. You will need to appear at your arraignment and fill our and attest to your financial inability to hire a private attorney. If the judge determines you are indegent, he/she will appoint a public defener. Good Luck.

Re: not gilty plea

At the arraignment, when you give the judge your "not guilty" plea, simply tell him/her you cannot afford a lawyer and would like one appointed to you. There may be some forms and a nominal fee to pay, but assuming you meet the criteria for indigency, the public defender should be appointed. However, if your charge is a misdemeanor and the State says it is not looking for jail, and the Court promises no jail, you can be denied a court-appointed attorney.