What was Gideon’s primary argument in his appeal to the Supreme Court? He should not have been forced to make an appeal to the Supreme Court in the first place.

Florida’s refusal to provide him with an attorney violated his rights as spelled out by the US Constitution.

His offense did not involve injury to another person and therefore should have been reduced to a lesser charge.

The Florida court informed Gideon that he was not eligible for a court-appointed attorney because he could afford to drink heavily.