My English is limited. How can I get an interpreter to assist me or my witnesses?
The Public Defender will make arrangements to obtain the assistance of an interpreter. There is no charge to the client or witnesses for interpreter assistance. However, be sure to inform the receptionist or your lawyer that you need an interpreter. Often people may think they can understand enough English to "get by." Unfortunately, sometimes in court there might be special meanings of words which can make a critical difference in the handling of a case. Further, court proceedings can be confusing enough without adding the complication of unfamiliarity with the English language. If there is any doubt as to whether you can understand everything that is being said to you and about you, it is far safer to use the services of an interpreter.
An interpreter will be made available not only for interviews and consultations, but also for court proceedings, and during investigations. A few of our attorneys, clerical staff, and investigators are fluent in Spanish. If you need an interpreter for a language other than Spanish, it is important that you inform your lawyer as much in advance as possible. Occasionally it is helpful to use a family member who speaks some English to help make clear exactly which language and dialect is spoken by the person who needs assistance. Afterwards a court interpreter - one who is familiar with court terminology - will be obtained for whichever language or dialect is needed for you to be able to clearly communicate and understand everything that is going on in your case.

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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?