Halbert v. Michigan
What's at Stake
Raising the same issue as Kowalski, which was dismissed on standing grounds. DECIDED
Summary
In Michigan, an indigent criminal defendant who wishes to challenge his sentence after pleading guilty (or pursue other possible legal claims) is generally not entitled to appointed counsel, even for a first appeal. Michigan is the only state in the country that denies appointed counsel under these circumstances. The question in this case is whether the Michigan rule violates the Fourteenth Amendment right to equal protecting under the law.
Legal Documents
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02/17/2005
ACLU Brief for the Petitioner in Halbert v. Michigan
Date Filed: 02/17/2005
Press Releases
Michigan Judge Thumbs His Nose at U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Poor People's Right to an Attorney
ACLU Argues in Supreme Court that the Poor Have a Right to Counsel
U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down Michigan Law