Josh Duggar Requests Court-Appointed Attorney After Conviction
Share and Follow

Josh Duggar has reportedly requested a court-appointed attorney to help him fight to overturn his 2022 conviction on child pornography charges.

“I am unable to afford counsel due to my current financial circumstances,” the 19 Kids and Counting alum, 37, reportedly wrote in a letter to the judge presiding over his case on Tuesday, May 27, according to court documents obtained by People on Wednesday, May 28.

In his letter, Josh — who is currently serving a 12.5-year sentence at Federal Correctional Institution Seagoville in Dallas, Texas — requested a court-appointed lawyer “to help evaluate” whether there were “constitutional violations” in his case.

“And, if appropriate, prepare a motion to vacate, set aside, or correct my conviction and sentence,” the letter continued, according to the outlet.

The disgraced reality TV personality claimed that his 2021 trial “involved complex constitutional and evidentiary issues, particularly relating to legal rulings and strategic decisions made during trial proceedings” and “errors in the admission of forensic evidence.” He also alleged that the prosecution failed to disclose all of its evidence.

Additionally, Josh cited the “broad publicity” and “intense scrutiny” surrounding the case due to his family’s fame as a result of their TLC reality shows, 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On, and argued that these were reasons for “a full and fair post-conviction review.”

“As time has unfolded, new legal theories and strategies have emerged in public discourse that may be relevant to the Defendant’s case,” the docs concluded, according to the publication. “In light of these developments, the Defendant seeks to consult with counsel to fully evaluate the potential of these emerging strategies and how they may support a motion for relief.”

GettyImages-1232598573-Josh-Duggar-Attorney
Washington County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images

Josh Duggar

Josh was arrested in April 2021 on federal charges of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) after Homeland Security agents found child pornography downloaded onto a computer that was linked to the former TLC personality at his business in 2019. He pleaded not guilty and has maintained his innocence.

In December 2021, Josh was found guilty of one count of receiving child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. The latter charge was dropped at his sentencing trial in May 2022.

A federal court denied Josh’s previous appeal in August 2023. He later took his appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in May 2024, where it was rejected again that June.

Josh’s request for a court-appointed attorney comes days after a source exclusively told In Touch that he has kept a low profile while serving time at FCI Seagoville.

“He’s pretty quiet and keeps to himself, other than the little hiccup with the cellphone,” a source close to the situation revealed, referring to an incident where Josh was found with a contraband phone and placed in solitary confinement in 2023. “He’s been basically a model prisoner.”

However, the behavior of other prisoners has affected him, a source previously told In Touch exclusively. The insider shared that Josh’s commissary funds were restricted after a staff member at the prison was “pranked.”

“Some sort of chemical convocation spilled on a staff member,” the source said. “We decided to restrict commissary until we figured out what happened or if it came from commissary. We found out who did it, but wanted to wait out the cycle so it fairly affected everyone.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Elizabeth Banks, 51, Opens Up About Considering Botox for the First Time: ‘I’ve Never Been This Old Before

Elizabeth Banks is keeping her options open when it comes to Botox.…

7 ’70s SNL Skits That Haven’t Stood the Test of Time: A Retrospective

It was October 11, 1975, when audiences tuning…

Breaking: Shocking Details Emerge in Tragic Update on Rob Reiner’s Major Loss

The investigation into the tragic deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his…

Kristin Cabot Opens Up About Her Relationship with Former Boss Post Kiss Cam Controversy

Former astronomy colleagues, Kristin Cabot and Andy Byron, have maintained their connection…

Prince Harry’s Aspen Polo Showcase: A Royal Pre-Holiday Adventure with Meghan Markle

Before heading into holiday festivities with Meghan Markle and their children, Prince…

Karoline Leavitt’s ‘Mar-A-Lago Face’ in Vanity Fair: A Captivating Look That Leaves an Indelible Impression

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt may have…

Actor Peter Greene, Known for ‘Pulp Fiction,’ Discovered Deceased with Injuries in Blood-Stained Apartment

Peter Greene, renowned for his role in “Pulp Fiction,” was discovered deceased…

Jenelle Evans Unveils Stunning Transformation for Her 34th Birthday Celebration

Jenelle Evans, known for her role on Teen Mom, has opted for…