Crime & Traffic

Anyone charged with a crime has the right to a lawyer Someone who represents clients in courts or who gives legal advice under the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. If a person cannot afford to hire a lawyer, the judge may appoint one, often a public defender, A free lawyer appointed by the criminal court when a defendant cannot afford to pay for a lawyer to represent them. A public defender is a licensed attorney appointed by the court to help people who qualify. To qualify, the judge must decide that the person is indigent, Poor; a poor person meaning they cannot afford to hire their own lawyer.

Find answers to common questions about public defenders below.