Advice regarding court-appointed attorneys ...?

Question

I was faced with charges about a month ago ... and my court date is today. I had planned on asking for a court appointed attorney because I previously couldn't afford to hire one. My question is ... what happens when you ask for a court appointed attorney? I know that you have to apply and you may or may not be approved. What are the eligibility requirements? And are you usually scheduled for another court date or are you required to keep the one you have? It doesn't seem to make much sense to be appointed an attorney and have no time to confer with her/him.

Answer 1

Typically what happens is the judge will ask you if you want to apply for a court appointed attorney, hire your own, or represent yourself. You tell the judge you want to apply and you are given a form to fill out and the name and phone number of the attorney the judge has assigned to you. The form asks for basic information about your finances and employment, as well as any benefits you may be receiving.

You will fill the form out and give it to the clerk of the court. He or she will instruct you how you will find out if you qualify. Usually they have you call them the next day and they tell you.

The judge will adjourn court that day and will reschedule your court date for another day to give you an opportunity to speak with your attorney. Call your attorney and schedule an appointment with him or her.

Answer 2

The financial requirements vary be jurisdiction. You should talk to the court clerk's office to see what forms need to be filled out and what the financial requirements are.

Answer 3

Not only must you apply for the attorney, you must present evidence that you cannot afford one. The case must be criminal.

Answer 4

eligibiltiy is based on ability to pay