I am the victim of a crime. Will the Public Defender represent me?

The interests of those who are victims of a crime are usually represented by the prosecutor's office, whose mandate is to see that those who victimize others are punished for their crimes. However, if you are a victim of a miscarriage of justice resulting from false police reports or other police misconduct, the Public Defender will defend you against criminal prosecution. 

The Public Defender is unable, by law, to pursue any civil case against your accusers. You may be the victim of a crime but are erroneously being prosecuted instead of being recognized as the victim. The Public Defender will defend you on the criminal charges.

Show All Answers

1. Are Deputy Public Defenders real attorneys?
2. How do I get an attorney to represent me?
3. Can I get advice from an attorney before I appear in court?
4. How do I contact my attorney?
5. I forgot the name of my attorney. 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 an attorney. 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 an attorney?
9. What if the Public Defender cannot represent me?
10. Are all "appointed attorneys" employees of the Public Defender's Office?
11. What is "O.R."?
12. What is bail?
13. When will the judge set bail and/or consider an O.R. release?
14. What happens when someone is charged with a felony?
15. What happens when someone is charged with a misdemeanor?
16. Will the Public Defender represent me if I am a resident of another state?
17. Will the Public Defender's Office represent me if I am a citizen of another country?
18. Will the Public Defender's Office represent me in an extradition hearing?
19. My English is limited. How can I get an interpreter to assist me or my witnesses?
20. I like a certain attorney. Can I choose who represents me?
21. I don’t like my attorney. How do I get a new one?
22. Who is eligible for drug treatment within the criminal justice system under Proposition 36?
23. I have heard about the success of drug treatment courts. How do they differ from regular criminal courts?
24. What happens when someone under the age of 18 is charged with a crime?
25. My child, who is under 18, has been arrested and needs drug treatment, mental health treatment or specialized education. Can the Public Defender help?
26. Will the Public Defender's Office represent me in the appellate courts?
27. Will the Public Defender represent me in a habeas corpus proceeding?
28. What is an expungement?
29. Who is eligible for an expungement?
30. When is an expungement available?
31. What will an expungement do for me?
32. Does the Public Defender's Office have access to any police officers or investigators who can look for evidence that will help me talk to witnesses in my case?
33. I know my attorney can't repeat anything I say in confidence. How can I be sure that what I say to a Public Defender investigator or paralegal will be kept confidential?
34. If the police contact me, do I have to speak with them?
35. What should I do if the police want to search me or my belongings?
36. I want to sue the Police Department. Will the Public Defender represent me?
37. 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?
38. I am the victim of a crime. Will the Public Defender represent me?
39. I need an attorney to help me in a civil case (like divorce, landlord/tenant dispute, debt payment, bankruptcy, child custody). Does the Public Defender handle that type of case?
40. How do I get a certificate of rehabilitation?
41. What is Proposition 64?