Court orders appointment of counsel for Justina Salceda after retained attorney suspended

The court called case 20229121 and spoke directly with defendant Justina Salceda about her representation after learning her retained attorney had been suspended and was not authorized to practice.

The presiding judge informed Salceda that because the attorney was suspended, he could not practice law and the court could appoint counsel. The judge offered two options: the defendant could retain another attorney or the court could appoint one for her. Salceda asked for a court-appointed lawyer; the judge instructed manage assigned counsel to arrange representation and said the court would ensure she had someone to speak with that day.

"He's been suspended. So that means that he cannot practice law," the judge told the defendant. The judge then said the court would make sure a court-appointed attorney would be provided and indicated that staff should contact a suggested attorney (Robert Porter was mentioned) to assist. The court held Salceda so she could meet the new attorney when they arrived.

Salceda thanked the court and said she had been incarcerated for three years and was struggling with mental-health issues; she said she appreciated the court's help in arranging counsel. The judge instructed staff to follow through and confirmed the defendant would meet the appointed attorney by the end of the session.