Practice question
A counsel de oficio is appointed immediately before arraignment. May the court deny all consultation on the theory that a quick guilty plea will simplify the case?
- Yes, speed displaces consultation.
- Yes, if the charge is serious.
- No; counsel must have a reasonable time to consult with the accused about the plea.
- Yes, because appointment alone proves informed choice.
- No; appointed counsel may never assist at arraignment.
Legal references
- https://lawphil.net/courts/rules/rc_110-127_crim.html — Rule 116 sections 1(d), 5, 6 and 8: exculpatory evidence, withdrawal before finality and counsel safeguards.
- https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2020/sep2020/gr_241257_2020.html — People v. Pagal, G.R. 241257, September 29, 2020, main opinion: improvident plea, independent evidence and case-specific appellate consequences.
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