In the US, defendants who cannot afford a lawyer, are given one by the a judge. Lawyers were expected and did use their legal resources to defend clients and received funds for their efforts from state and the federal governments. In many instances, these lawyers presented quality legal skills to court to defend indigent defendants.
One will be appointed by the courts (after the suspect completes paperwork which includes an income statement).
In the United States, if someone cannot afford a lawyer, they can have one provided for them free of charge. This is a right for all citizens.
In the US, the court will appoint a defense attorney. Some cities have a public defenders office.
Gideon v. wainwright
The defense attorney would help a person accused of a crime or in a civil case.
Gideon v. Wainwright
The accused did not get lawyers because they couldn't afford them. There was no law that would get you a lawyer if you couldn't.
The role of a defense attorney is the lawyer representing the person accused of committing a crime. In the United States, if a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed.
A person accused of a crime must be offered a lawyer. If the person can't afford a lawyer, the courts will appoint one for free.
Gideon v. Wainwright-NovaNET
If you have been accused of any crime then in most countries of the world you can and should get a lawyer.
Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335 (1963)
Gideon v. wainwright
defends the accused
defends the accused