quincy
Senior Member
When you appear in court for the first time for your arraignment (when the charges against you are read), you will have the opportunity to ask for a public defender.
There should be a public defender there to assist you at the arraignment if you do not have your own attorney with you. This public defender is not your attorney to help with your case, however. The public defender will be there only to help you through the arraignment process.
For a public defender to help you with your case, you will be asked to fill out a financial declaration form to determine if you qualify financially. If you qualify, a public defender will be appointed.
If you are unrepresented at the arraignment, it is recommended that you plead "not guilty" to the charges. Another hearing will be scheduled.
Good luck.
There should be a public defender there to assist you at the arraignment if you do not have your own attorney with you. This public defender is not your attorney to help with your case, however. The public defender will be there only to help you through the arraignment process.
For a public defender to help you with your case, you will be asked to fill out a financial declaration form to determine if you qualify financially. If you qualify, a public defender will be appointed.
If you are unrepresented at the arraignment, it is recommended that you plead "not guilty" to the charges. Another hearing will be scheduled.
Good luck.
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