Public Defender
What we do.
“… you have the right to an attorney, if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by the court to represent you.”
The Public’s Defender’s office represents those individuals that have been accused of a crime which carries with it the potential for jail or prison time and cannot afford to retain private counsel. The Public Defender’s office handles all varieties of criminal matters from traffic to misdemeanors to murder.
The Public Defender’s office can also be appointed in juvenile cases and abuse and neglect cases involving the rights of a parent accused of abusing or neglecting their child. The Public Defender may represent one of the child’s parents of be appointed to represent the interest of the child.
Public Defenders are appointed by the Court. To request a public defender you need to ask the judge assigned to your case when in court and fill out a financial affidavit which the judge will give to you in court
Yes. All of our attorneys are licensed in the State of Illinois.
Usually the judge in your case will issue a warrant. It is important to make contact with your attorney as soon as possible to discuss how to handle a missed court date.
No. Public Defenders are generally assigned by the Chief Public Defender. Although flattering, we cannot take requests. If you are having problems with your attorney, please discuss that issue with the Chief Public Defender.
Yes. Except in limited circumstances, attorneys are ethically bound to hold secret the confidences of their clients. The limited circumstances in which an attorney is not bound the confidentiality requirement include when an attorney reasonably believes that disclosure is necessary to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm.
Only the state’s attorney or the court can drop, or dismiss, a case. Even if the victim says they do not want to prosecute the case, the decision by law is still up to the state’s attorney.
No. Illinois Supreme Court Rule 415(c) prevents attorneys from handing out police reports. However, your attorney will review and discuss the reports with you.
This is an area that we are not able to assist with. However, please check the Illinois Appellate Defender’s website and “click” on expungement. That website that can assist you.
