Procedure for appointment of attorney for indigent defendant.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 171.188
in effect1. Any defendant charged with a public offense who is an indigent may, by oral statement to the district judge, justice of the peace, municipal judge or master, request the appointment of an attorney to represent the defendant. The record in each such case must indicate that the defendant was provided an opportunity to make an oral statement and whether the defendant made such a statement or declined to request the appointment of an attorney. If the defendant declined to request the appointment of an attorney, the record must also indicate that the decision to decline was made knowingly and voluntarily and with an understanding of the consequences.
2. The request must be accompanied by the defendants affidavit, which must state:
(a) That the defendant is without means of employing an attorney; and
(b) Facts with some particularity, definiteness and certainty concerning the defendants financial disability.
3. The district judge, justice of the peace, municipal judge or master shall forthwith consider the application and shall make such further inquiry as he or she considers necessary. If the district judge, justice of the peace, municipal judge or master:
(a) Finds that the defendant is without means of employing an attorney; and
(b) Otherwise determines that representation is required,
Ê the judge, justice or master shall designate the public defender of the county or the State Public Defender, as appropriate, to represent the defendant.
4. If the appropriate public defender is unable to represent the defendant, or other good cause appears, the judge, justice or master shall order the appointment of another attorney and refer the selection of the attorney:
(a) In a county whose population is less than 100,000, to the Department of Indigent Defense Services or its designee in compliance with the plan of the county for the provision of indigent defense services; or
(b) In a county whose population is 100,000 or more, in compliance with the plan of the county for the provision of indigent defense services.
5. The county or State Public Defender must be reimbursed by the city for costs incurred in appearing in municipal court. The county shall reimburse the State Public Defender for costs incurred in appearing in Justice Court, unless the county has transferred the responsibility to provide all indigent defense services for the county to the State Public Defender pursuant to NRS 180.450 . If a private attorney is appointed as provided in this section, the private attorney must be reimbursed by the county for appearance in Justice Court or the city for appearance in municipal court.
Source: NV Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-171.htmlFetched: 10/4/2026