Gideon v. Wainwright

A plain-English summary from Criminal Defense Resources™, a free resource for pro per/pro se defendants and their families.

General educational information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. This page describes what a court decided in general terms. It does not tell you what to do in any case.

Court: U.S. Supreme Court
Decided: March 18, 1963
Citation: 372 U.S. 335 (1963)
Topics: Self-Representation & Right to Counsel (Faretta)

What did the court decide?

The Court held that the right to a lawyer is a fundamental right that applies in state courts. States must provide a lawyer to people charged with felonies who cannot afford one.

Why does it matter?

This is the reason public defenders exist. Choosing to go pro per/pro se means choosing to give up this right, so courts take that choice seriously.

Where can I read the full opinion?

Read the full opinion on Cornell Law School LII →

Always read the full opinion and check whether later cases have limited or changed it. A summary can leave out important details.

Related rulings

McCoy v. Louisiana (U.S. Supreme Court, 2018)
Indiana v. Edwards (U.S. Supreme Court, 2008)
United States v. Erskine (9th Circuit, 2004)
Martinez v. Court of Appeal of California, Fourth Appellate District (U.S. Supreme Court, 2000)

General educational information, not legal advice. Not a law firm.