APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL

(a) Appointment of Attorney. The presiding judge must appoint an attorney to represent the respondent at the time an Florida Rules of Civil Procedure for Involuntary Commitment of Sexually Violent Predators January 1, 2024 7 order finding probable cause is entered. The appointment continues until the court determines whether the respondent is not entitled to court appointed counsel, private counsel represents the respondent, or the respondent waives the right to counsel. (b) Waiver of Counsel. The court must conduct an inquiry as set forth in Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 4806 (1975), in the event the respondent unequivocally requests self-representation, and may consider appointment of stand-by counsel if the respondent proceeds unrepresented.