F.A.Q.

You need to get a new court date as soon as possible.  When you miss a court date, the Court may issue a bench warrant which can result in your result.  Immediately contact the public defender's office for specific instructions.  You can also appear at the courthouse in the division of court that is holding criminal duty that week.  Sign your name on a sign sheet to recall your bench warrant.  After the regular court docket, you matter will addressed by the court.  Once you are assigned a new court, bring a copy of your court notice to the public defender's office. 

You must be appointed a public defender by a judge.  This usually happens at First Appearances.  If the judge appoints the public defender's office, you will be assigned an attorney within the division of court that your case is assigned. If the judge does not appoint the public defender to represent you, then you should try to hire a private attorney. Once you’ve discussed your case with private attorneys, if it becomes clear that you can’t afford to hire private counsel, you should go back to your judge (or a family member, if still in jail) to explain why you can’t hire a private attorney and why you might need a public defender.  Our office cannot provide an attorney to someone unless directly appointed by a judge.