At your first court appearance or hearing, the court may ask if you are requesting an attorney be appointed to represent you.
If the court does not bring it up, ask the court if you are entitled to an appointed attorney in your case.
If you are out of custody, you have to complete a financial declaration and sign it under penalty of perjury before the court makes any determination about whether you qualify for the services of an appointed attorney.
If you are in custody the court will usually refer your case to the Indigent Defense Coordinator for appointment of counsel without requiring that you fill out the financial declaration.