Guam § 45 - First Appearance; Statement by Court; Public Defender Allowed.

Full text of Guam Guam Code Annotated § 45 — First Appearance; Statement by Court; Public Defender Allowed., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 45. First Appearance; Statement by Court; Public Defender Allowed.

(a) At the time the defendant is brought before the court pursuant to § 45.10 or appears pursuant to a

summons issued pursuant to Chapter 15 (commencing with § 15.10) or a notice to appear pursuant to §

25.20, the court shall inform the defendant;

(1) of the complaint against him and of any affidavits filed therewith.

(2) of his right to retain counsel.

(3) of his right to request the assignment of counsel if he is unable to obtain counsel.

(4) of the general circumstances under which he may secure his pretrial release.

(5) of his right to prosecution by indictment, where such right is available.

(6) of his right to a preliminary examination, where such right is available.

(7) that he is not required to make a statement and that any statement made by him may be used

against him.

(b) If the defendant appears without counsel, the court shall ask him if he desires the assistance of

counsel. If he desires counsel, the court shall inquire of him whether he is financially able to employ counsel

and, if so, whether he desires to employ counsel of his choice or to have counsel assigned to him through

the Public Defender Service Corporation. If he desires assignment of counsel, the court shall make such

assignment. The court shall assign counsel at public expense if the defendant desires counsel and is

financially unable to employ counsel.

(c) The defendant shall not be called upon to plead, shall be allowed reasonable time and opportunity

to obtain and consult with counsel, and shall be released in the manner and subject to the conditions

provided by Chapter 40 (commencing with § 40.10).

Source: official Guam text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Guam § 45

What does Guam Code Annotated § 45 cover?

Section 45 ("First Appearance; Statement by Court; Public Defender Allowed.") is part of the Guam Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Guam. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Guam § 45?

A common citation format is "Guam Code Annotated § 45" (Guam). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Guam law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Guam official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Guam attorney.

How does Guam § 45 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Guam can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Guam.