IF YOU HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH A CRIME, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO AN ATTORNEY. IF YOU CANNOT HIRE AN ATTORNEY, YOU MAY APPLY TO THE STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER.
- The State Public Defender will not automatically represent you.
- You must go to the State Public Defender Office and complete a financial application (see hours below).
The OFFICE OF THE STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER will interview you personally to review your financial situation and determine if you are eligible for their services. You should take the following with you when you apply:
- Your criminal complaint and notice of you next court date.
- Social Security number.
- If you receive AFDC, RNIP, General Assistance, SSI or SSIE, you must bring in your Medical Assistance card or other records to verify your grant.
- If you have any other source of income such as employment, unemployment benefits, Worker’s Compensation, SSDI, or Social Security benefits, you must bring in a copy of your check stub or a statement of earnings from that source.
- Names of banks at which you have any accounts, trusts, stocks, bonds or retirement/pension funds.
- If you own or are buying any real estate or vehicles, documentation of the value of the property and the name of the lending institution or any pending loans or mortgages.
