Minnesota Supreme Court denies Chauvin public defender request

The Minnesota Supreme Court has denied former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s request for a public defender.

The request is related to his expected appeal of his conviction in George Floyd’s murder.

Court documents show Chauvin was denied representation by a public defender on Sept. 14 and then appealed that denial to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

At the time he appealed the denial, Chauvin stated his debts exceed his assets, leaving him to represent himself because he wouldn’t be able to cover attorney’s fees.

According to the state Supreme Court, a defendant would be unable to obtain private counsel if he or she would be unable to pay through any combination of liquid assets and income.

"Having reviewed Chauvin’s request, the information provided regarding his assets and debts, and the OMAPD’s (Minnesota Appellate Public Defender) determination, we conclude that Chauvin has not established that he is entitled to appointed representation at this time," the state’s Supreme Court order reads.

Though the state Supreme Court denied the request, it stated there is a possibility for Chauvin to file a future request if it’s determined, at any stage of the proceedings, that he is financially unable to pay for retained counsel.