Principle 9. Assistance by legal counsel and access to legal aid
30. Any persons deprived of their liberty shall have the right to legal assistance by counsel of their choice, at any time during their detention, including immediately after the moment of apprehension. Upon apprehension, all persons shall be promptly informed of this right.
31. Assistance by legal counsel in the proceedings shall be at no cost for a detained person, without adequate means, or for the individual bringing proceedings before a court on the detainee’s behalf. In such cases, effective legal aid shall be provided promptly at all stages of the deprivation of liberty; this includes, but is not limited to, the detainee’s unhindered access to legal counsel provided by the legal aid regime.
32. Persons deprived of their liberty shall be accorded adequate time and facilities to prepare their case, including through disclosure of information in accordance with the present Basic Principles and Guidelines, and to freely communicate with legal counsel of their choice.
33. Legal counsel shall be able to carry out their functions effectively and independently, free from fear of reprisals, interference, intimidation, hindrance or harassment.59 Authorities shall respect the privacy and confidentiality of legal counsel-detainee communications.