Lauren Boebert's Son Tells Court He Can't Afford Lawyer

Tyler Boebert, son of Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, told a court on Thursday that he cannot afford a lawyer as he faces more than a dozen criminal charges.

Boebert, 19, was reportedly praised by Judge John F. Neiley for his "attire" while appearing at Colorado's Garfield County court on Thursday, according to Westword. The congresswoman's son then revealed that he had been not been able to hire a lawyer due to "the prices" and requested a public defender.

"We are working to hire an attorney, but it's just been kind of hard with the prices," Boebert reportedly said. "Worst-case scenario, if we can't get something figured out with the lawyer, then we're going to apply for a public defender or whatever works best for me."

Boebert has been charged with 14 crimes, including felony identity theft, and could face years behind bars if convicted.

The Context

Colorado's Rifle Police Department announced Boebert's arrest in February, following what it said was "a recent string of vehicle trespass and property thefts in Rifle." He was initially facing 22 counts, with eight charges later being dropped.

Police accuse Boebert and three minor friends of stealing credit cards and other items from parked cars in Rifle. He was arrested after being seen on camera using the stolen credit cards, police said.

Boebert had a previous run-in with the law in 2022, when he was given a "careless driving causing bodily injury" ticket, accused of driving his father's SUV into a creek bed and injuring a friend who was a passenger.

What We Know

After Boebert disclosed his financial difficulties at the hearing on Thursday, Neiley reportedly suggested that he might secure a public defender while continuing his search for a lawyer that he can afford.

"I always think it's a good idea to maybe do both, because if you qualify, you have options," the judge said, according to Westword. "We can set this off for a little bit of time for you to make that decision."

Boebert has been charged with three felony counts and one misdemeanor charge of possessing stolen identification documents; four misdemeanor criminal trespassing counts; three theft charges; and three counts related to illegally possessing a "financial device."

Views

Newsweek reached out for comment to the office of Representative Boebert via email on Thursday night.

In a previous statement provided to Newsweek following Tyler's arrest, the congresswoman maintained that she would "never give up on" her son, who became the father of his own child last year, but said that he "should be held accountable for poor decisions."

"I love my son Tyler, who has been through some very difficult, public challenges for a young man and the subject of attention that he didn't ask for," Boebert said. "It breaks my heart to see my child struggling and, in this situation, especially when he has been provided multiple opportunities to get his life on track."

"I will never give up on him and I will continue to be there for him," she added. "As an adult and father, Tyler will take responsibility for his actions and should be held accountable for poor decisions just like any other citizen."

What's Next?

Tyler Boebert will next appear in court early next month, when he is reportedly set to take part in an "appearance of counsel" hearing. Lauren Boebert's office declined Westword's request for comment on whether she would be willing to help her son hire an attorney.