When can you ask a defendant if he wants to waive his right to an attorney after appearing in court?

A defendant can be asked if he wants to waive his right to an attorney at the point when it is clear that he is making an informed decision about his representation. This includes situations where he voluntarily expresses his willingness to waive that right. The principle behind this is to ensure that the defendant is fully aware of the implications of proceeding without legal representation, as the right to an attorney is a crucial protection in the legal system.

The requirement for voluntary expression ensures that the defendant is not under duress or coercion, which could invalidate a waiver. This is why waiting for the defendant to volunteer such a waiver is critical. Doing so outside of this context may not ensure that the defendant is making a fully informed choice, which is a cornerstone of fair legal proceedings.