Facts
Defendant Clarence Earl Gideon was charged with breaken and entering a poolroom with intent to commit a misdemeanor. Defendant was denied request for appointed counsel on the grounds that under the laws of Florida only a defendant charged with a capital offense was entitled to such an appointment. Defendant was without funds. Defendant conducted his own defense. Defendant was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment of five years in the state prison. Defendant filed in the Supreme Court of Florida the present habeas corpus petition, attacking his conviction on the ground that his federal constitutional rights were violated by the trial court's refusal to appoint counsel. The appeal was denied by the Florida Supreme