Montana Title 46. Criminal Procedure § 46-8-101. Right to counsel

(1) During the initial appearance before the court, every defendant must be informed of the right to have counsel and must be asked if the aid of counsel is desired.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), if the defendant desires assigned counsel because of financial inability to retain private counsel and the offense charged is a felony or the offense is a misdemeanor and incarceration is a sentencing option if the defendant is convicted, the court shall order the office of state public defender, provided for in 2-15-1029, to assign counsel to represent the defendant without unnecessary delay pending a determination of eligibility under the provisions of 47-1-111.

(3) If the defendant desires assigned counsel because of financial inability to retain private counsel and the offense charged is a misdemeanor and incarceration is a sentencing option if the defendant is convicted, during the initial appearance the court may order that incarceration not be exercised as a sentencing option if the defendant is convicted. If the court so orders, the court shall inform the defendant that the assistance of counsel at public expense through the office of state public defender is not available and that time will be given to consult with an attorney before a plea is entered. If incarceration is waived as a sentencing option, a public defender may not be assigned.