FAQ Group Public Defender's Office

Anything you say to your attorney in private is protected by attorney-client privilege. Your attorney is ethically prohibited from revealing these communications to any third-party who is not a member of the Public Defender's Office. If you have family or…

If you are interacting with the police, it is extremely unlikely that you are going to be able to talk your way out of the situation. The best thing you can do it clearly assert your right to silence, request…

Public defenders are full-time, salaried attorneys in charge of providing representation to indigent clients in criminal matters.

No. You cannot choose the specific attorney who is assigned to your case. You are always free to hire a different attorney to represent you at your own cost.

Yes. To apply over the phone, contact the Public Defender's Office during regular business hours and request to be screened for indigency.

You can always hire an attorney of your choice to represent you. 

Yes. All staff and roster attorneys are licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan. 

You must apply and be determined indigent to have an attorney appointed to represent you. To apply, contact the Public Defender's Office and request to be screened for indigency and one of our Legal Specialists will assist you. You can…

To qualify for a public defender, a person must be considered "indigent." In Van Buren County, indigency determinations are made by the Chief Public Defender and are made on a case-by-case basis. 

The Constitution guarantees everyone the right to an attorney, even if they cannot afford one. Public defenders are full time staff attorneys serving under the direction of the Chief Public Defender who are appointed to represent people who cannot reasonably…