Something I've wondered about Miranda rights.

Just represent yourself!

During your arraignment the judge will ask if you have an attorney. If not, he'll ask you why not.

If you say you can't afford one, he'll start asking about if you have a job and how much money you make.

If push comes to shove, he'll make you pay fees for a public defender if he deems you to have the means to pay but simply don't want to spend your own money.

No

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If push comes to shove, he'll make you pay fees for a public defender if he deems you to have the means to pay but simply don't want to spend your own money.

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So if I'm arraigned on what I consider a slam dunk case, but don't want to come out the other end a few thousand lighter, the only option I have besides self-representation is to counter-sue?

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So if I'm arraigned on what I consider a slam dunk case, but don't want to come out the other end a few thousand lighter, the only option I have besides self-representation is to counter-sue?

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counter-sue for what, and who exactly would you counter-sue? That still wouldn't give you a free of cost attorney if you aren't indigent. And you're not entitled to counsel in civil matters (outside contempt that could come with jail time or parental rights termination cases) if that's your angle. Your options are going to be represent yourself or pay for an attorney. If you think it's a slam dunk and it's a minor offense, you shouldn't need to pay several grand for someone to take care of that.

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So if I'm arraigned on what I consider a slam dunk case, but don't want to come out the other end a few thousand lighter, the only option I have besides self-representation is to counter-sue?

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You need to pony up for an attorney, because you are fricking clueless.

here in Texas, most counties have you interview with pretrial services (or similar office) to see if you qualify for ct. appt. counsel. and you'd have to sign an affidavit of indigency swearing that you don't have the funds to hire your own counsel.

i've never seen it done, but if you hide assets and sign the affidavit and it's discovered you do have funds, you could be prosecuted for perjury.

and "counter sue" in a criminal proceeding as a defendant? for what? and who?

You can get a pro-bono public defender if you can’t afford a lawyer. You might get lucky and land a good one, but most public defenders are over loaded. Some of them are juggling double digit cases. They can only commit so much time and effort to your case. If you can afford a lawyer, just bite the bullet and hire one.

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Some of them are juggling double digit cases.

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Per active court session... it amazes me what we blow expanding courthouses, yet scrimp on paying for adequate number of workers to keep the system functioning.