Your public defender has 90 cases. You have one.

Common questions

What should I ask my public defender at our first meeting?

Ask six things: what exactly am I charged with, what does discovery show, what is my maximum exposure, what plea offers exist and what do they require, what motions can be filed, and what are my next court dates. Bring the questions written down and take notes on the answers.

What can I do if my public defender never calls me back?

Put every request in writing with a date, keep a contact log of each call and email, and send short, specific asks instead of open questions. If weeks pass with no response, write to the supervising attorney in the defender's office and reference your log.

Is a public defender as good as a private attorney?

Public defenders are licensed criminal defense attorneys and are often highly experienced in the local courthouse. The real constraint is caseload, not skill, which is why an organized client who arrives with a timeline, documents, and clear questions gets far more out of the relationship.

Do I have to accept a plea deal my attorney recommends?

No. The decision to plead is always yours. Ask for the offer in writing, the sentence range if you lose at trial, and the immigration, housing, and employment consequences before you answer.

Can I ask for a different public defender?

You can raise a conflict or breakdown in communication with the court, but courts replace appointed counsel only for specific reasons, not because you disagree about strategy. Document the missed contacts and unanswered questions first, because that record is what a judge actually reviews.

How do I get a copy of my own case file and discovery?

Ask your attorney in writing for the police reports, charging document, and discovery index, and state how you want to receive them. You are entitled to understand the evidence against you, and a written request creates the follow-up trail if it does not arrive.

What should I never say to my public defender or in court?

Do not guess, exaggerate, or hide facts that hurt you — your attorney can only plan around problems they know about, and conversations with them are privileged. In court, say nothing about the facts of your case unless the judge asks you directly or your attorney tells you to.

How do I prepare for a meeting so my limited time is useful?

Arrive with a one-page timeline of dates and events, a list of witnesses and what each saw, copies of any documents, and your three most important questions at the top. Ten organized minutes produce more than an hour of open conversation.

What happens if I miss a court date?

A missed appearance commonly triggers a warrant or an adverse ruling, and the consequences grow the longer it sits. Contact your attorney and the court the same day, in writing, and bring proof of the reason you could not appear.