Dean Shane Dowell v. State Indiana

On July 19, 1989, Dowell appeared before the Magistrate in Morgan County for an initial hearing. The Magistrate advised Dowell of his constitutional rights and of the charges against him. Dowell stated at that time that he would be employing counsel. When Dowell failed to obtain counsel, the Magistrate held a hearing on the issue of appointment of pauper counsel. At this hearing, Dowell stated he was attempting to contact a particular attorney and that he did not need pauper counsel. Dowell asked if he could speak for himself in the event that he was unable to employ counsel, and the Magistrate informed him that he had that right.