Can I get advice from a Deputy Public Defender before I appear in court?

Before an individual who is in custody may be questioned regarding a crime, the law requires the police to inform that person that they have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. If the person does not waive the right to an attorney, the police must arrange for the presence of an attorney before questioning can take place. Likewise, if the police wish to place a person who has been arrested into a lineup, that person has the right to the presence of an attorney at the lineup. The Public Defender has attorneys available to serve those functions. An attorney who responds to the police station or jail serves as the person's attorney in the same way as if the attorney had been retained to represent the person. The attorney represents the client, not the police.

If you are in custody in the Napa County Department of Corrections, there is a toll free number to dial our office directly during normal business hours. Usually the support staff can tell you when you can expect to appear in court and direct you to ask for the court to appoint us at that time. If you have sustained injuries which might be relevant to your defense, an investigator can be dispatched to take photos.

Our staff can advise you what to expect at your first appearance, but are not able to discuss the particulars of your case until the charges and police reports are available and we have been appointed to represent you.

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1. Are Deputy Public Defenders real lawyers?
2. How do I get a Deputy Public Defender to represent me?
3. Can I get advice from a Deputy Public Defender before I appear in court?
4. How do I contact my Deputy Public Defender?
5. I forgot the name of my Deputy Public Defender. How can I find out who is representing me?
6. I forgot where my court is located. How can I find out where I'm supposed to appear?
7. I can't afford a lawyer! Will I have to pay to be represented by the Public Defender's Office?
8. How much can I earn and still be eligible for the services of a Deputy Public Defender?
9. What if the Public Defender cannot represent me?
10. Are all "appointed attorneys" employees of the Public Defender's Office?
11. What happens when someone is charged with a felony?
12. What happens when someone is charged with a misdemeanor?
13. Will the Public Defender represent me if I am a resident of another state?
14. Will the Public Defender's Office represent me if I am a citizen of another country?
15. Will the Public Defender's Office represent me in an extradition hearing?
16. My English is limited. How can I get an interpreter to assist me or my witnesses?
17. Who is eligible for drug treatment within the criminal justice system under Proposition 36?
18. I have heard about the success of Drug Treatment courts. How do they differ from regular criminal courts?
19. What happens when someone under the age of 18 is charged with a crime?
20. My child, who is under 18, has been arrested and needs drug treatment, mental health treatment, or specialized education. Can the Public Defender help?
21. Will the Public Defender's Office represent me in the appellate courts?
22. Will the Public Defender represent me in a habeas corpus proceeding?
23. I want to hire a private detective to talk to witnesses in my case, but I can't afford to. Does the Public Defender's Office have access to any police officers or investigators who can help me?
24. I know my attorney can't repeat anything I say to him in confidence. But how can I be sure that what I say to a Public Defender investigator or paralegal will be kept confidential?
25. I want to sue the Police Department. Will the Public Defender represent me?
26. I like a certain Deputy Public Defender, can I pick who represents me?
27. I don’t like my Deputy Public Defender. How do I get a new one?
28. I was treated unfairly by the judge in my case, and I want to sue the court. Will the Public Defender's Office represent me?
29. I was treated unfairly in court and I want to sue the jury. Will the Public Defender's Office represent me?
30. I am the victim of a crime. Will the Public Defender represent me?
31. I need a lawyer to help me in a civil case (like divorce, landlord/tenant dispute, debt payment, bankruptcy, child custody, personal injury action). Does the Public Defender handle that type of case?
32. How do I get a certificate of rehabilitation?
33. What if I have a question not answered here?