Assistance of counsel means having a lawyer represent you, especially in a criminal case. The Sixth Amendment's right to effective assistance attaches directly to the fidelity and competence of defense counsel's services.Every defendant in the United States has a right to an effective attorney when they are facing criminal charges or appealing their case. Charter Section 401(6) states that the Council may "empower" the City Attorney to "employ special legal counsel. You may fill out a petition at the doctor's office. The form you need to respond to an eviction case is Answer - Unlawful Detainer-Eviction (form UD-105). Counsel. Send your request for an Administrative Hearing to: APPEALS UNIT, General Assistance Hearing Request, 7751 Edgewater Drive, Oakland, CA 94621. 6. BARCC provides free, confidential support and services to survivors of sexual violence ages 12 and up and their families and friends. Having the "benefit of counsel" or "assistance of counsel" means that the criminal defendant has had a competent attorney representing them. Find out more information about jury service for this particular court. eJuror.