Judge gives final chance for indigency paperwork, warns of denial

A municipal judge presiding at a docket hearing on Oct. 3 told a person seeking court‑appointed counsel that she must provide documentation proving indigency or her request will be denied.

"If you refuse to bring in the proof with the next date that I give you, I'm gonna deny your application for court appointed attorney," the judge said, instructing the person to submit IRS transcripts, bank statements and a completed supplemental questionnaire. The judge set a follow‑up date of Oct. 14 and said this was the person's last opportunity to provide supporting documentation.

The judge explained that the court cannot determine financial eligibility without documentation and that defendants who do not complete the paperwork cannot consult with a court‑appointed attorney until they qualify. She reiterated that the proof requirements are listed on the second page of the application and emphasized timeliness: "Don't wait to the last minute because it does require that you're gonna be getting some, some proof of the indigency."

The court staff provided the supplemental application and an information sheet with instructions for obtaining necessary records; interpreters assisted defendants who did not speak English. The judge warned that repeated continuances due to missing paperwork strain court resources and can delay other cases.