Lawyers aren't FREE, someone has to pay the bill (tax payers). I've been in your daughters position before... before I was, and still am, out of work due to the economy. I had to obtaine a public defender for my own court case. I had no other means of obtaining an attorney.
All you have to do is go to court on your court date and the judge will ask you what do you want to do about your case. He will tell you the possible penalties for the crime that she committed (jail, probation, fines). Then ask you what do you want to do about the case. Just ask tell him you need to, either reschedule due to finances. Or tell him you need to have a court appointed lawyer. He will give you a clipboard and tell you fill out some paperwork. It's only a few questions, how much is in your bank account? do you own any cars, property? What is your income? What are your bills?
The judge will review the information, and tell you right then and there if you qualify for a court appointed attorney.
IF you do, you will be referred to a building where the court appointed attorneys work. You will meet with your attorney, and she/he will handle the case for you. You don't have to pay a penny.
Court appointed attorneys are just as good as the paid attorneys. I've had paid and court appointed attorneys before.
