Substantial early payment discounts and payment plans are available. There is no charge for applying for services. Applications are done in person except in very unusual circumstances. There often are times when a person does not qualify for a Public Defender representation but still cannot afford to hire an attorney. If such a person wants an attorney it is important for them to ask the judge for help.
Judges can and do appoint attorneys in private practice to represent people in such cases.
Those lawyers work at a substantial discount from what they regularly charge and are paid by the County. The person getting such a lawyer is required to pay the County back according to a payment schedule set up at the time the lawyer is appointed. This page courtesy of the Menominee River Defenders Association . The information contained herein is based upon public information and the experiences of our members, it is not a statement of the Wisconsin State Public Defender.