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1. How do I get a public defender?

A public defender must be appointed by the Court to represent you. If the Court determines you are not financially able to retain private counsel, the Court will appoint the Public Defender’s Office to represent you.

2. In what types of cases are public defenders appointed?

The Public Defender’s Office is only appointed in criminal matters, Juvenile Correction Act matters, Child Protective Act matters, and matters pertaining to involuntary commitment for the mentally ill. With limited exception, public defenders are not appointed in civil cases.