where do you go for help when you have a public defender for a criminal case? is there any assistance for him?

Answer 1

When you go to Court and plead "Not Guilty" they will ask you if you can afford a lawyer or if you need one appointed to you, and you say the latter. The Court will refer you to the Public Defender's office to see if you qualify for one. Bad news is if you make even slightly above minimum wage, you will likely not qualify and have to pay for an attorney out of your own pocket. Depending on how serious the charges are, you might want to consult a lawyer now. If it is a minor infraction (misdemeanor) and you are under 21 and it is your first offense, you should be elibigle for pre-trial diversion, which the Judge will inform you of at your initial hearing.