Appointment of Counsel

(a) Informing Defendant of Right to Counsel. The court shall advise a defendant who appears without counsel for arraignment, change of plea, or trial of the right to be represented by counsel, and ask if the defendant desires the aid of counsel. The court shall not allow a defendant to proceed without an attorney unless the defendant understands the benefits of counsel and knowingly waives the right to counsel. RULES OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE