He's being denied legal counsel for the drugs charges -- according to the letter, they are all minor misdemeanors, although originally he was alleged to have felony weight on him. That's actually a victory for him, so far.

The problem is there are potential actual felony charges under discussion, related to the original computer crime warrant. While he hasn't been charged, he doesn't get a public defender. If he's charged, he gets a public defender.

If I were in his shoes, I would absolutely be getting a lawyer (and I sent him $100 toward that, and asked some friends who are lawyers to consider it).

Honestly, not getting an Arkansas Public Defender is probably a victory for him, too. I would rather represent myself than rely on AR PD to defend me in a case like this.