The Facts of Gideon v. Wainwright:
In 1961 in Florida, Clarence Earl Gideon was arrested and charged with breaking
and entering (a felony crime). He didn't have enough money for a lawyer, and so
asked the court to appoint one for him. Since Gideon was not charged with a
capital offense, the judge refused to appoint a lawyer for him. He was tried and
convicted of the crime. While in prison Gideon appealed to the Supreme Court
saying that he was denied his right by not be appointed counsel.
If you are only looking for case law, proceed to the Precedents Page.