State Ex Rel. Rojas v. Wilkes

FOX, Judge: 1

The issue in this case is whether a criminal defendant who is personally indigent is entitled to public funds for expert assistance deemed essential to an effective defense after a third party provides financial assistance which enables the defendant to have the benefit of private counsel.

The petitioner, Aristides Rojas, age 23, was indicted in May, 1994, for the felony of murder of the first degree. He is presently incarcerated and unable to make bail.

Following his indictment, the petitioner filed a financial affidavit alleging indigent status and requesting the appointment of…