How can I be appointed a Public Defender on a Misdemeanor case?

If not incarcerated, a client is usually asked to appear on a specific court date or within a certain number of days after receiving a ticket from a police officer. At that time, the Judge will ask if you need an appointed attorney. Typically, you will fill out a form which asks questions about your income and expenses. The Judge decides whether or not the Public Defender will be appointed to represent you. If a person is incarcerated, the person will be brought before a Magistrate at the Washtenaw County Jail and asked about their income and expenses. After reviewing the information, the Magistrate will make a decision as to whether or not the Public Defender will be appointed. If the Public Defender is appointed, the attorney assigned to the case will go to the Washtenaw County Jail to meet with and interview an incarcerated client. In-custody Defendants may also be transported to a Misdemeanor Court to appear before the assigned Judge on a case.


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1. Who is the Public Defender for Washtenaw County?
2. Who is my attorney?
3. When should one be represented by a private rather than a public defender attorney?
4. What is the relationship between the Public Defender and the Prosecutor?
5. How can I be appointed a Public Defender on a Misdemeanor case?
6. How can I get a Public Defender on a Felony case?
7. What if I hire a private attorney and run out of money before the case is over?
8. What if I do not have an attorney but have questions about a criminal matter?