United States v. Stevens

*627DECISION

HODGSON, Chief Judge:

It is a fundamental principle of military due process that a servicemember be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be represented by counsel of his choice. However, the right to counsel of one’s choice is not as absolute as is the right to the assistance of counsel. United States v. Mitchell, 111 F.2d 248 (5th Cir.1985). Further, when a continuance is sought to retain counsel, the right to select a particular attorney must be balanced against the public’s interest in the orderly administration of justice. Urquhart v. Lockhart, 726 F.2d 1316 (8th Cir.1984). The…