Lauren Boebert’s son tells judge he can’t afford a lawyer in thefts case

The son of Colorado Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert told a judge that he was struggling to find a lawyer he could afford, to defend him in his trial over alleged car break-ins and property theft.

Tyler Boebert, 19, appeared at the Garfield County Court on Thursday to hear the 14 charges against him, including felony counts for identity theft.

Westword reported that 9th Judicial District Judge John F Neiley told Mr Boebert that he liked the young man’s suit, saying: «I appreciate it when people dress for court”.

Despite his sharp suit, Mr Boebert told the judge that he was appearing without legal representation, as he was struggling to find one he could afford.

»We are working to hire an attorney, but it’s just been kind of hard with the prices," the defendant told the judge.

«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.»

Rifle Police Department arrested Mr Boebert in February, after a “recent string of vehicle trespass and property thefts”.

At the time, his Republican lawmaker mother released a statement saying her son had been through some “difficult, public challenges”.

“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,” the Republican said.

The 19-year-old hit the headlines last year when Ms Boebert announced she was becoming a grandmother at 36, with Tyler becoming a dad.

The right-wing representative spoke of her joy at her son’s partner “choosing life”, as a long-time anti-abortionist.

Ms Boebert is no stranger to dealing with law enforcement, having been arrested herself for disorderly conduct