Found an issue on this page? Let us know and we will look into it as soon as possible.
Can I contact a public defender if I have a warrant out for my arrest? I don't have money to hire one before I turn myself in.
Anonymous7 views6 answers
My ex girl friend and I got into a heated argument. Things progressed and I ended up putting my hands on her. She called police after I left. The detective issued a warrant on his behalf because of our history me and my ex. I want to turn myself in but don't want to do a long sentence. I forgot to add that she doesn't want to press charges against me and she wants to move on with her life
No. The only way for the PD to represent you is for the judge to determine that you are indigent and then the PD will be appointed. Ask for an attorney right away and don't make any statements about your case until you have consulted with them.
You can contact them. But, they probably won't give you many helpful answers unless and until they have been appointed by the court. To be appointed, you will have to turn yourself in, appear in court, and apply for the public defender.
It's unlikely the Court will appoint a public defender to represent you until you turn yourself in. You will need to either surrender yourself and then wait for a public defender to be appointed (and for a bond to be set) or hire a private attorney prior to surrender. The fact that she does not want to press charges will be helpful once you are in court but it's unlikely to make the case go away prior to your surrendering on the warrant.
The public defender will have to be appointed by the court after criminal proceedings begin. Sometimes you can request the public defender be appointed by a magistrate during booking as well.
A Public Defender can be appointed by the Judge after you turn yourself in, but it depends on other factors including employment and whether you decide to bond out of jail once you clear the arrest warrant. Be careful about posting details regarding your case on the internet.
