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Judge repeatedly orders defendants to consult three attorneys or seek appointed counsel
Summary
Across multiple initial appearances the judge reset cases and told defendants who had made bond to try to hire counsel or, if unable, to speak with at least three lawyers and bring back the names; the court directed many to fill out paperwork to assess eligibility for court‑appointed counsel.
During docket call the judge repeatedly instructed defendants who had made bond to attempt to hire counsel and, if they could not afford representation, to consult with at least three lawyers and return with the names of those they contacted.
"If you're unable to hire someone before the next court date, then I'm ordering you to visit with at least 3 lawyers," the judge told multiple defendants, stating the requirement applied across initial appearances. The court also directed defendants to complete sworn paperwork to determine eligibility for court‑appointed counsel and emphasized that failure to show proof of effort could result in bond increases or other consequences.
The pattern appeared across many cases: the judge offered 30‑day resets to allow time to secure counsel and asked defendants to provide documentation of attempts to hire private counsel or evidence supporting an application for appointed counsel. The court noted different attorneys charge different fees and payment plans and that defendants should bring names and proof of contact to the next appearance.
