Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Public defender

Yesterday I went to my court date in full intentions to pay my restitution fee, and/or recieve a public defender. Once requesting the P. D., I was then told that the DA could not speak to me at all in regards to my case. When I approached the Judge, he said I was denied a public defender and had to return in 2 weeks with a lawyer, or defend myself. I have recently lost my job and cannot afford a lawyer. I just want to pay my restitution for my 1st offense (ever) mistake, and move on with my life. Can the judge deny me a public defender? I gathered it to be a citizens right to be appointed one if I cannot afford an attorney? Please help...


Asked on 4/03/07, 11:42 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Keith Engelke Law Office of S. Keith Engelke

Re: Public defender

Unfortunately, the court decides whether you can afford a lawyer. You can try applying for a public defender again if you lost your job after the first time you applied for one.

Another option would be to call the bar association in your county and tell them you need to contact a lawyer referral service. They should have one or be able to put you in touch with one. The referral service should provide you with the names of a few lawyers.

If you have a simple plea bargain your case should not cost you that much. However, your case may not be as simple as you think it is. The lawyer will need to look over your court papers as well as a copy of the police report to make an intelligent decision on how complex the case is.

I know you want to save money with a public defender. However, you shoudl understand that the cost of a public defender is often incorparted into the fines and court costs you are planning to pay.

Good Luck!

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Answered on 4/03/07, 12:59 pm


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