Right to counsel

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Litigation, Paternity - Defendant/Respondent

in Reynolds v. Kimmons, 569 P.2d 799, 803 (Alaska 1977), the Alaska Supreme Court found a right to counsel for indigent defendants in paternity proceedings under the Alaska Constitution's due process clause where the plaintiff is represented by the state. The court relied on the quasi-civil nature of the proceedings, the potential criminal charges stemming from future nonsuppoort, and the importance of the establishment of the parent-child relationship.

Appointment of Counsel: categorical Qualified: yes