How To Request Counsel

To request court-appointed counsel, a person must complete and submit a Financial Affidavit. This is usually done at the initial court appearance, the first time a person appears before a magistrate judge or district court judge for a federal court proceeding. The Financial Affidavit requests disclosure of certain financial information to aid the court in determining eligibility for court appointed counsel. If approved, the Court will enter an Order appointing the Federal Defender Office to provide legal representation. The Federal Defender Office is appointed to represent all Criminal Justice Act (CJA) cases in the U.S. District Courts in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint, and Port Huron, Michigan.

If the assistance of counsel is required prior to any formal charges or court appearance, please contact the Pre-trial Services Agency, located in Room 342 of the Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse, 231 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226. Telephone: (313) 234-5300. Have on hand any letters, paperwork, or business cards from any federal law enforcement official or agency regarding any federal investigation. Pre-trial Services will provide a Financial Affidavit and forward it to the presiding magistrate judge to obtain the appointment of the Federal Defender Office for legal representation. You may also contact the Federal Defender Office at (313) 967-5542, if you have been advised by any federal law enforcement official by telephone or letter to seek the representation of counsel. A Financial Affidavit will be forwarded to you by the FDO, and once the Court approves it and enters an Order appointing the Federal Defender Office, the matter will be assigned to an attorney.