Right to counsel

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Legislation, Sexually Dangerous Persons - Commitment

For sexually violent predator civil commitments, "The right of a person sought to be committed as a sexually violent predator to legal counsel prior to and during any judicial hearing conducted under this chapter shall be absolute and unconditional. The right to legal counsel for any person sought to be committed during any judicial proceeding conducted under this chapter shall be waived only if the client or person sought to be committed makes an informed decision to do so.  The person sought to be committed shall pay the costs of the legal services in connection with hearings held under this chapter. If the person sought to be committed is unable to pay for counsel, the court shall appoint counsel pursuant to RSA 604-A:2." N.H. Stat. § 135-E:23.

Appointment of Counsel: categorical Qualified: no