On this page you will find general answers to common questions asked by defendants in criminal cases. Nothing contained on this page is intended as legal advice nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between any person and this office. The information contained on this page is for reference purposes only and may not apply to your specific case. For specific answers to your questions you should contact an attorney.
What does a Public Defender do?
The office of the Public Defender represents criminal defendants who are indigent, meaning her or she cannot afford to hire an attorney, and need a court appointed attorney.
What are my rights in a criminal case?
Criminal defendants have the right to a trial by jury, to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, to have the prosecutor prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he or she is guilty, to have the witnesses against him or her appear at trial and to question those witnesses, to have the court order any witnesses the defense has to appear at trial, to remain silent during the trial and to not have that silence used against him or her, and to testify if he or she wants to testify.
Is my public defender working with the prosecutor?
No. The assistant public defender assigned to your case is not working with the prosecutor. The office of the public defender is an office created and funded by the county, however, it operates separately from the Courts and Prosecutor's office. The attorneys working in the office work as defense attorneys 100% of the time.
Is my public defender a "real" attorney?
Yes, the public defender assigned to your case is a real, licensed attorney. To verify your public defender is licensed in Michigan you may check the State Bar of Michigan's website here. The attorneys working in the office were chosen for their proven experience, skills and passion for indigent defense.