What is the name for someone charged with a crime who is financially unable to pay for an attorney, in which case the Court provides one?

• A. Public defender
• B. Assigned counsel
• C. Pro bono attorney
• D. Indigent

Answer: (D)

Indigent describes someone who lacks the financial means to hire a lawyer. In criminal cases, the system guarantees the right to counsel, so if a defendant can’t afford an attorney, the court provides one. This appointed representation is typically handled by a public defender’s office or by an assigned private attorney who is paid by the state. The other terms refer to who provides the help (public defender, assigned counsel) or to voluntary, unpaid work (pro bono), whereas indigent specifically describes the defendant’s lack of funds.