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352.742.4270
Tavares, FL 32778
In criminal cases, a defendant is not automatically assigned a Public Defender. When an individual is charged with a crime and appears before a judge, they may request a court-appointed attorney if they cannot afford to hire private counsel.
To qualify for representation, the defendant must complete a financial affidavit for the county that their case is in (Fifth Circuit Applications for Indigent Status). The court then reviews this information to determine if the individual meets the legal definition of indigent.
If the court finds that the defendant qualifies, the judge will appoint the local Public Defender’s Office to provide representation. This appointment is limited strictly to criminal cases. Public Defenders are licensed, court-appointed attorneys who who provide legal representation to individuals charged with a crime who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer. If a defendant does not meet the financial qualifications, they are responsible for hiring their own private counsel.
For information or documents regarding your specific case, or to speak with the Public Defender assigned to represent you, please contact the office in the county where your case is filed:
Please be prepared to provide your full name and case number when contacting the office to help us assist you as quickly as possible.