Right To Counsel Toolkit
Take Control of Your Legal Representation: Your Right to Effective Counsel
If you or a loved one are dissatisfied with your court-appointed attorney, you don’t have to settle. Every defendant has the right to competent, effective counsel, and you deserve a legal advocate who fights for your rights and best interests. Our Right to Counsel Toolkit is designed to empower you with the knowledge and steps you need to replace an appointed lawyer and ensure you receive the fair representation you deserve. The process of replacing an appointed attorney can be overwhelming, but it's crucial for ensuring that your case is handled with the attention, expertise, and dedication it deserves. If your attorney isn’t meeting your needs, you have options. This toolkit gives you the resources to take informed action.
What You’ll Find in the Toolkit:
Step-by-Step Guidance: Learn how to request a new lawyer, navigate the process of replacing your appointed attorney, and understand the legal grounds for seeking a change.
Key Legal Insights: Understand your constitutional right to competent counsel and what qualifies as ineffective assistance of counsel.
Practical Templates: Use our letter templates and forms to formally request a new attorney and file motions for ineffective counsel.
Know Your Rights: Learn how to assert your rights without fear of retaliation or backlash from the court or your appointed lawyer.
We know the road to accountability is often difficult. That’s why, along with this toolkit, we invite you to join our Beyond Court Monthly Gatherings—a supportive space for individuals facing similar struggles to connect, share experiences, and gain insights from others.
Your voice matters. Your rights matter. You deserve a fair shot at justice.