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Gideon arrested on suspicion of breaking into poolroom in Panama City, Florida.
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Gideon denied appointed counsel, convicted of felony breaking and entering and misdemeanor theft.
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Gideon sentenced to five years for breaking and entering, a felony, and misdemeanor theft of wine, beer, and coins from cigarette machine and jukebox.
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Gideon’s handwritten petition for certiorari arrived at the U.S. Supreme Court. It was Gideon’s second petition; the first failed to include a pauper’s affidavit.
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Supreme Court orders Florida to respond to petition for certiorari.
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Florida attorney general files brief in opposition to petition for certiorari.
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Certiorari granted. Question Presented: Should Betts v. Brady be reconsidered?
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Abe Fortas appointed by the Supreme Court to represent Gideon.
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Oral argument (two and one-half hours) in Gideon v. Wainwright.
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Gideon v. Wainwright decided. Held: Assistance of counsel is a fundamental right essential to a fair trial; Gideon’s conviction is reversed.
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Florida Supreme Court orders new trial for Gideon.
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Two years after first trial, Gideon, represented by Fred Turner, is found not guilty.