Who are Public Defenders?  Are they real attorneys?
      Public Defenders are attorneys paid by Monroe County to represent indigent people who are entitled to have legal representation.

What types of cases are assigned to Public Defenders?
       The most common cases assigned to Public Defenders are criminal charges, juvenile delinquency, CHINS petitions, termination of parental rights petitions, mental health commitments, contempt hearings, appeals, and petitions to revoke suspended sentences. 

How do I get a Public Defender to represent me?
        You must ask the Judge to have a Public Defender appointed to your case, then the Judge must make a finding that you do not have the money to hire an attorney.

What do I do after a Public Defender is appointed to my case?
         You must come to the Monroe County Public Defender Office in Room 302 of the Justice Building.  An attorney will be assigned to your case and an appointment will be scheduled for you to meet with that attorney.

What happens at the appointment?
         All relevant issues about your case will be discussed and you will have an opportunity to ask your attorney questions. 

Should I hire a private attorney?
        If you can afford to hire a private attorney you should.  Public Defenders are paid to represent people who do not have the means to hire a private attorney.

Should I try to hire a private attorney because they will do a better job/the Public Defender is overworked/not as experienced/doesn’t care/works for the County/works for the Judges/works for the State?
        Monroe County is fortunate to have a group of experienced dedicated attorneys working in the Public Defender Office who protect the rights and interests of each and every client, not only because it is their sworn duty as an attorney, but each attorney has shown a personal commitment to provide the best legal representation possible.  Monroe County has assisted in this endeavor by electing to participate in the State Plan that limits the number of active cases an attorney may be assigned so that more time may be given to individual cases.

Who else can I talk to about my case?
        The Public Defender’s office has two investigators, two paralegals, and a number of law clerks that assist the attorneys.  One of these people may contact you and they are obligated to keep the same confidentiality as your attorney.  If you talk to anyone else about the details of your case, that person could be used as a witness against you.

I forgot the name of my Public Defender.  I forgot my court date.  How can I find out?
        Call the Public Defender’s office where your case is pending.  Provide the receptionist with the cause number, or, if you can’t remember the number, provide your full name.  Ordinarily that will be sufficient information to help our staff determine the name of your Public Defender.  However, without a specific cause number, and based on your full name alone, our staff can only provide the court hearing(s) that appear on the court calendar.

Will you help me sue the Police/Jail/Judge/Prosecutor/complaining witness/help me with my landlord/help with my divorce?
        Your Public Defender is responsible for representing you in a specific case appointed by the Circuit Court.  In all other matters such as civil law suits, you need to proceed on your own, hire a private attorney, or seek assistance from an organization such as:

Legal Services Organization at
http://www.bloomington.in.us/socserv/iris/Legal_Services_Organization.html

Community Legal Services at
http://www.law.indiana.edu/outreach/index.shtml

Will the Public Defender represent me if I am a resident of another county/state/country?
        Yes, if you are charged with an offense that is filed in Monroe County.

My English is limited/I am Deaf.  Can the Public Defender get an interpreter to assist me?
       Yes, the Public Defender will make arrangements to obtain the assistance of an interpreter.  Be sure to inform your attorney that you need an interpreter.  Often clients think they can understand enough English to “get by”.  Unfortunately, there might be special meanings of words that can make a critical difference in the handling of a case.  Court proceedings can be confusing enough without adding the complication of not understanding the language.  If there is any doubt as to whether you can understand everything that is being said to you and about you, it is far safer to use the services of an interpreter.  An interpreter will be made available for all interviews, investigations and consultations, as well as court proceedings.

Do I have to pay the Public Defender?
        The Court may order you to pay a Public Defender Fee.

Updated:  April 1, 2009

Home | Back to Top | Disclaimer | Contact Us