Final answer:
The systems available to criminal defendants unable to afford a lawyer are public defenders or pro bono representation, except for private defense attorneys that require payment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Criminal defendants who are unable to afford their own lawyer can use several systems for legal representation, but they cannot use private defense attorneys who charge for their services unless they can pay.
Since the landmark case of Gideon v. Wainwright in 1963, which was based on the Sixth Amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court has guaranteed that all defendants have the right to an attorney, and must be provided one by the state if they are unable to afford legal counsel.
The Supreme Court's decision in Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) established that all defendants, regardless of their ability to pay, must be provided with legal counsel by the state. This ruling applies to any case in which an accused person faces the possibility of losing their liberty, even for one day.
This ruling applies to any case in which an accused person faced the possibility of 'loss of liberty,' even for one day. Public defenders, who are lawyers paid by the government, are available for those who cannot afford an attorney, although some may receive pro bono representation from practicing lawyers.