Virgil M. Ronzzo v. Maurice Sigler, Warden of Nebraska Penal and Correctional Complex

The basic issue presented in this petition for a writ of habeas corpus by a Nebraska state prisoner was succinctly stated in the District Court by Judge Van Pelt to be: “ * * * whether the denial of counsel at a probable cause hearing is a denial of procedural due process where a defendant is not required to plead or take any other steps which might affirmatively prejudice his rights.” Ronzzo v. Sigler, D.C.Neb., 1964, 235 F.Supp. 839, 840. The application for writ was denied, the District Court holding that the defendant, in a state proceeding, was not prejudiced by being deprived of counsel…