Clients

HOW DO I GET A PUBLIC DEFENDER APPOINTED TO ME IF I CAN'T AFFORD REPRESENTATION?

The court will appoint you an attorney after indigence is determined

WHEN WILL I SEE A JUDGE?

Within forty-eight (48) hours of your arrest, you are entitled to be brought to magistrate court. Here, the court will determine if there was probable cause (“PC”) for your arrest. This is also when your bail will be set.

IF I AM IN JAIL, HOW WILL MY ATTORNEY CONTACT ME?

Contact will be made by phone or in-person visits.

DIFFICULTY REACHING MY ATTORNEY.

Attorneys can be hard to reach because they cannot answer the phone when they are in court, visiting with clients in jail, speaking to other clients, or in a meeting. If your attorney does not answer, leave a voicemail with your name, call back number, what you need to speak to your attorney about, and when a good time to reach you is. It is a good idea to make sure your voicemail box is set up, and check it regularly for messages. A working email address is also recommended for communication with your attorney.

HOW DO I FIND OUT INFORMATION ABOUT MY COURT DATE?

Your attorney will provide you with your next court date. If you have not been appointed an attorney, then the court staff will provide you the information for your next court date. If you have bonded out of jail, your bail bond agent will also have this information.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO COURT?

Each judge has the power to set the guidelines for appearance in his/her own court. Please refer to each specific court’s policies. It is a good idea to try to be presentable and dress as you would to an important meeting. For example, tucking in your shirt. In general, it is a good idea to avoid shorts, flip-flops, ripped or dirty clothing, clothing with profanity or references to illegal or inappropriate activity, and clothing that is see through or revealing.

Here are some guidelines for your appearance in court:

• Jeans or slacks with no holes

• Button down shirt, polo, blouse, or sweater

• Skirt or dress

• Close-toed shoes

We suggest you do NOT wear these items in court:

• Shorts

• Low-cut or see-through tops

• Tops and bottoms with short hemlines

• Clothing with an emblem or wording that promotes illegal or inappropriate activity, or violence

When in doubt, ask your attorney about what to wear to court.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO COURT?

For your court appearance, bring any documents your attorney needs that will assist with your case. We recommend keeping all your documents for your case in a folder or a binder. In addition, bring a pen and paper to take notes. Some judges do NOT allow cell phones in court, so plan accordingly. Be careful NOT to bring anything that could be considered a weapon, including pocket knives or pepper spray.

WHAT LANGUAGE SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

All indigent accused persons are entitled to court-appointed representation, regardless of immigration status or language. If no attorney in the office speaks the same language as the accused client, appropriate language interpretation services will be used to allow the client to fully discuss their case with their attorney.

IF I AM IN JAIL, HOW WILL MY ATTORNEY CONTACT ME?

Contact will be made by phone or in-person visits.