Palmateer v. Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services

During the initial juvenile dependency hearing in this case, the trial court advised the appellant that she had “... the right to have an attorney, and the right to have an attorney appointed for you if you cannot afford one. If I see your case in that posture I will advise you. Are there any questions?” The trial court’s statement was a misstatement of Rule 8.320(a), Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, which clearly defines the duty of the court to advise a parent at each ■stage of a dependency proceeding of the right to have counsel present, appoint counsel upon request for insolvent…