Misdemeanor Waivers of Counsel

Authors

Aliza Smith
Amanda Izes

Streaming Media

Publication Date

6-18-2025

Abstract

An initial appearance is often the first—and sometimes the only—courtroom proceeding for misdemeanor defendants. The purpose of this proceeding is to inform arrested people about the chargers and advise them about their constitutional rights so that they can make knowing, intelligent, and voluntary legal decisions, including whether to waive their right to counsel and their right to trial.

Document Type

Streaming Video

Disciplines

Criminal Law | Criminal Procedure | Criminology and Criminal Justice | Law | Law and Society | Public Policy | Social Justice

Part Of

CJR Workshop Series

Publisher

Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center