Court Appointed Attorney Information
You may be entitled to a Court Appointed Attorney at public expense if you qualify as an indigent person and have been charged with a crime for which you may be sentenced to jail or prison if convicted. An indigent person is one who cannot hire an attorney without causing substantial hardship to them self or a dependent family. In addition, a court appointed attorney may be requested in a juvenile dependency (abuse or neglect), termination of parental rights, or juvenile delinquency proceedings. Persons who are involved in a civil proceeding, such as a divorce, personal injury, landlord/tenant or employment cases are not eligible for legal representation at state expense.
If you have been charged with a crime, you may request Court Appointed Attorney at your first court appearance. If you qualify, an attorney will be appointed for you. There is typically a $20 application fee, dependent upon financial eligibility, plus any contribution amounts that may be applicable.
If you are convicted of a crime, the court may require you to repay some or all of the cost of your Court Appointed Attorney if it determines you are able.
If the Court appoints an attorney to represent you, unless otherwise ordered, you must contact your attorney’s office within two (2) days. If you fail to contact your attorney as directed, you will be in violation of your release agreement and the Court may issue a warrant for your arrest.
Court Appointed Attorneys
Other Agencies or Service Providers