The right to have an attorney when you are accused of a crime is found in the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It says:

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall… have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

This right does not apply in civil cases. For example, if you want to sue the police for excessive use of force, you can only do so if you hire an attorney, or you can file the lawsuit yourself.

In short, when the charges you face have the potential to result in the loss of your freedom, you have the right to an attorney.

It does not matter whether or not you actually receive jail time. If imprisonment is even a possibility, then you have the right to a lawyer.

You also have the right to hire an attorney of your choice. However, if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.

You are typically not able to choose your court-appointed attorney.