How Do I Get A Public Defender?

[umyeah123]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: snellville, ga

I got caught shoplifting 108$ of merchandise at kohls. clean record up until now. i am going to plead guilty. but i would like to not have this on my record. i cant afford an attorney and would like a pd but dont know how to get one. im 19 and a new mother w/o a job currently. could the pd get me a clean record? my court date is june 4th, i want onne for then

[panther10758]

Judge: Mr. Umyeah123 How do you plead to these charges?

Umyeah123: I wish to plead not guilty (or no plea at all) and would like a Public Defender

At that point Judge will instruct what to do next and continue the case for another day

[umyeah123]

ok, but do i get one right then do you know? how do i qualify for one? does it make the judge mad by asking for one? can the pd possibly get my record clear? do i have to go back later to court after that day? i want to be prepared. will the pd instruct me what to say?

[cyjeff]

ok, but do i get one right then do you know? how do i qualify for one? does it make the judge mad by asking for one? can the pd possibly get my record clear? do i have to go back later to court after that day? i want to be prepared. will the pd instruct me what to say?

You will be assigned one out of the pool. We don't know how long that will take.

You qualify via your income. Zero is below the line.

Judges don't care... it is your right to ask for one.

Maybe... maybe not. You may be able to ask for a diversion but only your attorney will be able to tell you if you qualify

Yes, you will go back to court at a later day with your attorney.

Yes, the attorney will tell you what to say and how to say it.

[aaron]

Contact the court where your charge is pending, and inquire about petitioning for a court-appointed lawyer. There is probably a form you will have to complete to request a lawyer.

[umyeah123]

I just called the court office. and they said the court clerks are in court right now and to call back after 2. what should i ask the clerk when i call about a pd? what do i need to say?

[aaron]

Ask the process for requesting a court-appointed lawyer.

[poisonedcrimson]

It is rare for ppl to get PD before court. Usually the judge will instruct you to the clerk during court to get one.

[umyeah123]

okay, so in my case should I have a public defender, even if pleading guilty.. how good is the chance that I can get off with a clean record with a fine, community serivce, and probation? it was a money amount of 108$. I just want to do better and have a good future with a good steady job. I was told by my friend I can tell the solicitor I dont want jail time or a record and they can plea that to the judge, which would be better in my case. I am guilty I just want the best way to go. PD or no Pd!

[panther10758]

Ask your Public defender about Diversion programs