Requesting A Court Appointed Attorney

Court appointed attorney applications are available, by request, at the Court Clerk’s window. Please request these forms as early as possible in the process of your court case. When a court appointed attorney is appointed to handle your case, there must be ample time for you to meet with the attorney, and for the attorney to prepare your case prior to appearing in Court.

When the application has been submitted, you will be informed to contact the Court within 7 to 10 days to see if your request has been granted. If your request is denied, you should know as soon as possible so that you have time to contact an attorney of your choice. The Court will notify you by mail, advising you of the attorney’s name, address, and phone number that has been appointed to represent you.

The Prosecuting Attorney and the Judge review each application. Determination for granting a court appointed attorney depends on two factors. The first is whether or not the Prosecuting Attorney is seeking jail time. If the prosecuting attorney is not seeking jail time, an attorney will not be appointed. The second determining factor is whether or not the defendant meets the state’s indigency guidelines. If it is determined that a defendant is not indigent, a court appointed attorney will not be granted.