If your case is currently pending in the 85th District Court, you will be required to fill out a financial statement to determine if you are eligible for court appointed counsel. This form can be found here. Once this form has been completed, please submit it to the court for consideration. If the court determines that you are financially eligible for court appointed counsel, the judge will sign an order of appointment and an attorney from the Public Defender’s Office will be assigned to the case.
If your case is pending in the 19th Circuit Court, you can also fill out the financial statement form and submit it to the 19th Circuit Court judge for consideration. The 19th Circuit Court judge will also assign court appointed counsel on the record, if requested.
You can request a court appointed attorney at anytime during your case. A lawyer from the Public Defender’s Office will always be available in the courtroom to assist with bond at arraignment.