Opinion ID: 2014394
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Denial of Assistance of Counsel.

Text: Defendant contends that it was a manifest error not to appoint counsel at public expense in this case because a potential six-month sentence is severe and substantial. Although the trial court could have provided counsel in this case, he was not obliged to do so. . . . Hence, to insure the fair administration of justice we here decide that counsel should be provided, in accordance with rules established by previous decisions of this court, in the case of all indigents charged with a misdemeanor when the maximum penalty for imprisonment exceeds six months and in such other cases in which the trial court, in the exercise of its sound discretion, deems it necessary and desirable in order to attain the best interest of justice. State ex rel. Plutshack v. H&SS Department (1968), 37 Wis. 2d 713, 724, 725, 155 N. W. 2d 549, 157 N. W. 2d 567. (Emphasis supplied.) The court did advise the defendant that: . . . if you wish to obtain counsel you will be given a chance to do so. Of course, you have the right to represent yourself. Now, what is your wish in the matter?