Louisiana requires counsel for contempt hearings
In 2017, the Louisiana legislature enacted Louisiana HB 249, amending the law relating to the collection of legal financial obligations (“LFOs”). Among other things (including how such obligations are imposed in the first place), the bill provides a right counsel for indigent defendants who have defaulted on fees/fines payments ordered as part of a prior criminal proceeding. The law requires that the contempt hearing notice inform the defendant of their right to counsel:
You have the right to be represented by counsel (attorney/lawyer) of your choice. If you cannot afford counsel, you have the right to be represented by a court- appointed lawyer at no cost to you. However, you must apply for a court-appointed lawyer at least seven (7) days before this court date by going to the public defender’s office. There is a forty-dollar ($40) application fee.
La. C.Cr.P. Art. 895.5(C)(2)(d).
