Provides legal representation at the circuit court (trial court) level in cases specified by state law. Trial Division cases include criminal, civil commitment, protective placement (personal guardianship), revocation of conditional liberty (probation, parole, or extended supervision), termination of parental rights, and juvenile delinquency proceedings.
All adult applicants for public defender representation are required by state law to meet strict financial guidelines to qualify for appointment of an attorney by the State Public Defender, other than in proceedings under chapters 51 and 55. Applicants may apply at the local office.
If the applicant qualifies for public defender representation, he or she is given the information on attorney fees and an attorney is assigned to the case. If the applicant is not eligible for public defender representation, he or she may apply to the court for appointment of an attorney at county expense. The staff of the State Public Defender can provide information regarding the process in the local county for seeking a court-appointed attorney.
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