BigCracker said:Sure, you can ask to consult an attorney before the cops at any time-that doesn't mean that they won't continue to ask(badger) you with questions until they actually arrest you. After they arrest you, and you request an attorney-that's when the questioning is supposed to stop. OK Matlock? And btw-a minimum retainer for a criminal lawyer is around $5K. Most casual AAS users aren't going to have one. They'll have to wait to consult legal counsel until after they're arrested anyhow.
In addition, court appointed lawyers suck-they get paid regardless of whether they win or lose your case. It's also very likely they go golfing with the prosecutors on the weekends since they're all on the same payroll. In a situation like this your court appointed attorney isn't going to be a pitbull defending your case by any means. So don't expect to get off on any technicalities either like you might be able to with an attorney that you hire yourself.
Never, ever get a court appointed attorney.. Borrow the money if you have to, and get someone good.