United States v. Ely
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
719 F.2d 902 (1983)
Relevant factsFree
A judge appointed attorney Brady to represent David Ely (defendant), an indigent criminal defendant. Ely asked instead for a different lawyer, Bartley, with whom he felt he had a better relationship. Neither side offered evidence about the broader pool of available counsel. The judge kept Brady, explaining that appointments followed a rotation system and that Brady was competent and experienced, giving no reason to switch. Ely appealed, arguing the refusal violated his Sixth Amendment rights.
IssueFree
Whether an indigent defendant has a right under the Sixth Amendment to choose the particular appointed counsel who will represent him.