How can I get a Public Defender on a Felony case?

On Felony cases, an arrest warrant is usually issued by the Prosecutor Office. The Defendant may be able to appear before a Magistrate for arraignment if they receive notice of the charges. Usually the person is arrested on the warrant by the police. In either situation, the Defendant will be asked whether or not a court appointed attorney is needed. A financial information form will be given to the Defendant to complete. If the Public Defender is appointed, in-custody clients can expect that a member of the Public Defender trial lawyer team will seek to timely meet with them well before their court date to discuss the case with them and review any police report information. Defendants who are not in custody are given information on how to contact the Office to find out who on the Public Defender team will be the lead trial lawyer assigned to them.


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1. Who is the Public Defender for Washtenaw County?
2. Who is my attorney?
3. When should one be represented by a private rather than a public defender attorney?
4. What is the relationship between the Public Defender and the Prosecutor?
5. How can I be appointed a Public Defender on a Misdemeanor case?
6. How can I get a Public Defender on a Felony case?
7. What if I hire a private attorney and run out of money before the case is over?
8. What if I do not have an attorney but have questions about a criminal matter?