Public Defender - Would Writing a Letter Help My Chances of Provision

**FirstTimeOffender_HelpMe!** · 10-28-2010, 01:52 PM

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Colorado.

I have been arrested for a felony and accompanying misdemeanors. I spent one night in custody, and appeared before a Judge the following day. I was released on PR bond, and am required to re-appear in court tomorrow to receive my charges.

It is not required, or even necessary that I have an attorney representing me tomorrow, or that I speak to one before hand, as I am just receiving my charges. At least this is what I was told- I am not sure.

However, I would like to apply for a Public Defender, as I surely cannot afford an attorney. I however make above the cutoff. The only requirements they go by are Monthly Gross Income, which surely is not the amount of money that ends up in my pocket. And surely the money that does end up in my pocket is already assigned to be due other places.

I called the office today, and they said to have an application filled out already to bring tomorrow, along with copies of my pay stubs.

My question is, should I also bring copies of any other reciepts or voided checks? I do not have all of this information or even close to it all.

Also, would writing a letter attached to the application do any good? (or any worse if possible) to help my situation? I already spend every last dollar I make on essential expenses (Gas to get to work, Food, Toiletries) plus rent and bills.

I believe that I have good chances of the felony charge being reduced to a misdemeanor- I hope. I have never had a record of anything, have a steady job, have a place to live, am in school. I do not know if this matters at all whatsoever, though.

I am making every effort to appear as an upstanding citizen, but I do need legal counsel, as this felony charge would seriously implicate negatively on my job and future career plans. I cannot at all afford an attorney.

What ways can I ask attorneys to work pro bono or low bono for my situation?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!!!