§ 14-6-222 — Advising of right to counsel required; appointment of counsel; verification of financial condition

Wyoming § 14-6-222

• Jurisdiction: Wyoming
• Title 14: Children
• Ch. 6: JUVENILES
• Art. 2: JUVENILE JUSTICE ACT

Text

(a) At their first appearance before the court the child
and his parents, guardian or custodian shall be advised by the
court of their right to be represented by counsel at every stage
of the proceedings including appeal, and to employ counsel of
their own choice.
(b) The court shall upon request appoint counsel who may
be the guardian ad litem to represent the child if the child,
his parents, guardian, custodian or other person responsible for
the child's support are unable to obtain counsel. If appointment
of counsel is requested, the court shall require the child and
his parents, guardian, custodian or other person legally
responsible for the child's support to verify their financial
condition under oath, either by written affidavit signed and
sworn to by the parties or by sworn testimony made a part of the
record of the proceedings. The affidavit or sworn testimony
shall state they are without sufficient money, property, assets
or credit to employ counsel in their own behalf. The court may
require further verification of financial condition if it deems
necessary. If the child requests counsel and his parents,
guardian, custodian or other person responsible for the child's
support is able but unwilling to obtain counsel for the child,
the court shall appoint counsel to represent the child and may
direct reimbursement of counsel fees under W.S. 14-6-235(c).
(c) The court may appoint counsel for any party when
necessary in the interest of justice.
(d) Counsel representing a child alleged to be delinquent
under this act shall consider among other things what is in the
best interest of the child.