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?

In general, the Public Defender only represents persons subject to criminal prosecution, civil commitment, or contempt citation. The Public Defender's Office also represents individuals charged in criminal cases resulting from non-payment of child support, or those who are threatened with contempt because of an alleged violation of a civil court order for them to pay child support. Our office also represents those individuals who have been detained civilly through a conservatorship or other mental health commitment. In all other cases, the Public Defender does not represent individuals in civil cases, nor can our Office recommend any particular attorney or law firm.

The State Bar of California provides a certified lawyer referral service. The State Bar is located at:

  • 1149 S Hill Street
    Los Angeles, CA 90015-2299
    Phone: 213-765-1000
  • 180 Howard Street
    San Francisco, CA 94105-1639
    Phone: 415-538-2000

Show All Answers

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?