Can I be denied rights to a public defender?

     Usually, a determination of indigency or continuing indigency of any defendant may be made by the court at any stage of the proceedings.
     Any defendant claiming indigency shall file with the court a fully complete affidavit verified by a notary or other person authorized by law to administer an oath and file a copy of that affidavit with the prosecuting entity. The affidavit shall contain the factual information required in this section and by the court.
     "Indigency" means that a person:
     (i) does not have sufficient income, assets, credit, or other means to provide for the payment of legal counsel and all other necessary expenses of representation without depriving that person or the family of that person of food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities; or (ii) has an income level at or below 150% of the United States poverty level as defined by the most recently revised poverty income guidelines published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services; and (iii) has not transferred or otherwise disposed of any assets since the commission of the offense with the intent of establishing eligibility for the appointment of counsel under this chapter.
     In making a determination of indigency, the court shall consider:(i) the probable expense and burden of defending the case; (ii) the ownership of, or any interest in, any tangible or intangible personal property or real property, or reasonable expectancy of any such interest; (iii) the amounts of debts owned by the defendant or that might reasonably be incurred by the defendant because of illness or other needs within the defendant's family; (iv) number, ages, and relationships of any dependents; (v) the reasonableness of fees and expenses charged to the defendant by the defendant's attorney and the scope of representation undertaken where the defendant is represented by privately retained defense counsel; and (vi) other factors considered relevant by the court.
     Upon making a finding of indigence, the court shall enter the findings on the record and enter an order assigning a defense services provider to represent the defendant in the case.

     However, if the prosecutor indicates that they are not requesting jail/prison, sometimes the court will not appoint a public defender.

Hope this helps