How to get public defender in CA

[dima]

What is the name of your state? CA

My boyfriend got a DUI and must go to court before the 7th of Jan. He needs a public defender, but everywhere I look it says that one is assigned to you. How is that possible if they dont know you exist? Surely he must be able to seek one out himself. There isnt even a set court date, just "on or before Jan 7." It is misdemeanor DUI, if that makes a difference. Can we go to the courthouse ahead of time and ask for one? Can we call and ask for one? Everything I google just says one will "be assigned." Is this really possible?

 

[CdwJava]

When he goes to arraignment (his first court hearing) he should be assigned counsel if he cannot afford one.

It might be possible to obtain one prior to court. if so, he can also call the public defender's office (if there is one) and ask how to go about it. Perhaps the courthouse has that information.

YOU have no legal standing here. he is not your husband or your child so he has to do this himself. Since his court date is in January, I assume that he has been released with a citation and is free to make his own arrangements.

- Carl