No representation and when to tell the judge

[Giddyup]

Jurisdiction

Georgia

My first court appearance should be in April, 2024. I called the court to leave a message for the judge that I can't afford an attorney and I do not qualify for a public defender. I was told to let him know at my first appearance. Although I would love to do at that time , it somehow doesn't sound right. Is there a right and wrong time to tell the judge?

 

[Zigner]

Sounds right to me.

 

[army judge]

What are the requirements needed to get a public defender in the state of Georgia?

<===================================>

You have to be deemed indigent by the court, and facing jail time. There is a $50 application fee for the public defender which can be waived in cases of TRUE financial hardship.

Many Georgia courts will inquire as to whether you would like to apply for court appointed counsel at arraignment. If you do, then you will be given a financial affidavit to fill out that has questions about your income, what property you own, etc. You may also be required to pay a $50 fee to apply for court appointed counsel.

Court appointed lawyers are supposed to be reserved for those who truly cannot afford to hire a lawyer on their own. Some judges are more lenient in their evaluations of people's finances than others.


https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/what-are-the-requirements-needed-to-get-a-public-d-698607.html




1=Apply for public defender services

Complete the state's application to confirm that you qualify for public defense services.

2=Meet with your attorney

Work closely with your attorney and share all the necessary details about your case.

3=Get the best possible outcome

Your public defender works hard to ensure you get the most favorable resolution to your case.

WE BELIEVE THAT A CRIMINAL CHARGE DOESN'T HAVE TO RUIN YOUR LIFE

Accused persons deserve to be valued members of their families and communities — no matter what crime they've been charged with.

At the Georgia Public Defender Council, we know how terrifying the criminal justice system can be. That's why our attorneys strive daily to zealously defend the accused and get the best resolution for every case.

Your case deserves the strongest possible defense.
Not because you can buy it, but because,
YOU'RE A HUMAN BEING WITH RIGHTS.

That's what the US Supreme Court decided in 1963 when it required states to provide criminal defense attorneys for accused persons who could not afford them. As Georgia public defenders, we listen to our clients. We care about their well-being and most importantly, we work to maximize our client's post-release opportunities.

Find Your Public Defender — Georgia Public Defender Council

Georgia Public Defender Council — Public Defender Attorneys





What If I Can't Afford an Attorney?

 

[zddoodah]

If you know, in October 2023, that you won't have a "first appearance" until April 2024 - SIX MONTHS later - this obviously is a pretty minor crime. Unless you're sitting in jail, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

[Giddyup]

Sounds right to me.

Ty.

 

[Giddyup]

What are the requirements needed to get a public defender in the state of Georgia?

<===================================>

You have to be deemed indigent by the court, and facing jail time. There is a $50 application fee for the public defender which can be waived in cases of TRUE financial hardship.

Many Georgia courts will inquire as to whether you would like to apply for court appointed counsel at arraignment. If you do, then you will be given a financial affidavit to fill out that has questions about your income, what property you own, etc. You may also be required to pay a $50 fee to apply for court appointed counsel.

Court appointed lawyers are supposed to be reserved for those who truly cannot afford to hire a lawyer on their own. Some judges are more lenient in their evaluations of people's finances than others.


https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/what-are-the-requirements-needed-to-get-a-public-d-698607.html




1=Apply for public defender services

Complete the state's application to confirm that you qualify for public defense services.

2=Meet with your attorney

Work closely with your attorney and share all the necessary details about your case.

3=Get the best possible outcome

Your public defender works hard to ensure you get the most favorable resolution to your case.

WE BELIEVE THAT A CRIMINAL CHARGE DOESN'T HAVE TO RUIN YOUR LIFE

Accused persons deserve to be valued members of their families and communities — no matter what crime they've been charged with.

At the Georgia Public Defender Council, we know how terrifying the criminal justice system can be. That's why our attorneys strive daily to zealously defend the accused and get the best resolution for every case.

Your case deserves the strongest possible defense.
Not because you can buy it, but because,
YOU'RE A HUMAN BEING WITH RIGHTS.

That's what the US Supreme Court decided in 1963 when it required states to provide criminal defense attorneys for accused persons who could not afford them. As Georgia public defenders, we listen to our clients. We care about their well-being and most importantly, we work to maximize our client's post-release opportunities.

Find Your Public Defender — Georgia Public Defender Council

Georgia Public Defender Council — Public Defender Attorneys





What If I Can't Afford an Attorney?

If you know, in October 2023, that you won't have a "first appearance" until April 2024 - SIX MONTHS later - this obviously is a pretty minor crime. Unless you're sitting in jail, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Thanks for the reply.

If you know, in October 2023, that you won't have a "first appearance" until April 2024 - SIX MONTHS later - this obviously is a pretty minor crime. Unless you're sitting in jail, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

I appreciate your thoughts on this subject and it does ease my mind. I know my charges ares serious, though. The attorneys I spoke with range from 5000 to 8500. It's my understanding, the fees are higher if we go to trial.

 

[Giddyup]

What are the requirements needed to get a public defender in the state of Georgia?

<===================================>

You have to be deemed indigent by the court, and facing jail time. There is a $50 application fee for the public defender which can be waived in cases of TRUE financial hardship.

Many Georgia courts will inquire as to whether you would like to apply for court appointed counsel at arraignment. If you do, then you will be given a financial affidavit to fill out that has questions about your income, what property you own, etc. You may also be required to pay a $50 fee to apply for court appointed counsel.

Court appointed lawyers are supposed to be reserved for those who truly cannot afford to hire a lawyer on their own. Some judges are more lenient in their evaluations of people's finances than others.


https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/what-are-the-requirements-needed-to-get-a-public-d-698607.html




1=Apply for public defender services

Complete the state's application to confirm that you qualify for public defense services.

2=Meet with your attorney

Work closely with your attorney and share all the necessary details about your case.

3=Get the best possible outcome

Your public defender works hard to ensure you get the most favorable resolution to your case.

WE BELIEVE THAT A CRIMINAL CHARGE DOESN'T HAVE TO RUIN YOUR LIFE

Accused persons deserve to be valued members of their families and communities — no matter what crime they've been charged with.

At the Georgia Public Defender Council, we know how terrifying the criminal justice system can be. That's why our attorneys strive daily to zealously defend the accused and get the best resolution for every case.

Your case deserves the strongest possible defense.
Not because you can buy it, but because,
YOU'RE A HUMAN BEING WITH RIGHTS.

That's what the US Supreme Court decided in 1963 when it required states to provide criminal defense attorneys for accused persons who could not afford them. As Georgia public defenders, we listen to our clients. We care about their well-being and most importantly, we work to maximize our client's post-release opportunities.

Find Your Public Defender — Georgia Public Defender Council

Georgia Public Defender Council — Public Defender Attorneys





What If I Can't Afford an Attorney?

If you know, in October 2023, that you won't have a "first appearance" until April 2024 - SIX MONTHS later - this obviously is a pretty minor crime. Unless you're sitting in jail, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Thanks for the reply.