The case must be the type of case that public defenders handle. That means that you must be charged with a crime, contempt of court, juvenile delinquency, or a violation of your probation or parole. For criminal cases you must apply for the appointment of a public defender to the Court where your case is being heard. You will have to disclose your income and your assets. A public defender will be appointed if it is determined that you do not have the ability to retain your own lawyer.
Eligibility is assumed for contempt, juvenile, and revocation cases.
The public defender may decline services if you appear to have the ability to retain your own lawyer. If the public defender office is appointed to represent you, there will be no charge to you for their services. Furthermore, there will be no filing fees charged for any legal papers filed in your case. Back To Top No. Divorce and custody cases are civil proceedings.