Am I eligible for a Public defender if I am unemployed. What are the requirement in California.

Asked 3 months ago - Los Angeles, CA

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I have no income at all at this moment and need to hire one . . . what are the processes and how can I obtain one . I was hit with a TOR , so looking for a PD and need to know exactly how to do this please . Thank you .

Additional information

I should say that I live far from the court where I was hit with the Temp R.O., so am I supposed to fly there to fill out a form or what. I had an ex-parte hearing 3 weeks ago, now I asked for a continuance so i have exactly 2 week now...how can request one form a distance.obviously it has to do before my hearing when I will fly there that day...any advice as to what to do. I also filed for a temp r o on that person but in my city and was granted at the ex parte hearing so should i now go back to my court and file a form to get a pd...i guess i am more concerned about the other city as to how get one there.

Attorney answers (4)

  1. Licensed in CA

    Sherman Oaks Criminal Defense Attorney
    Contributor Level 14

    3

    Lawyers agree

    Answered February 14, 2013 07:01. If you have no money, you will qualify for the Public Defender in a criminal case. You cannot get a PD for a civil or family law matter such as a TRO.

    Seth Weinstein, Esq.
    Practicing throughout Southern California
    (310) 707-7131
    www.sethweinsteinlaw.com

    This reply should NOT be considered a legal opinion of your case / inquiry. At this time I do not have sufficient... more
  2. Licensed in CA

    Pro

    San Francisco Criminal Defense Attorney
    Contributor Level 20

    3

    Lawyers agree

    Answered February 14, 2013 08:23. Mr. Weinstein is correct; this sounds like a Family Law matter. In the land of the Family Court nothing is free.

  3. Licensed in CA

    Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorney
    Contributor Level 13

    2

    Lawyers agree

    Answered February 14, 2013 06:50. The only thing you have to do in order to qualify for a PD is show up and make less than $2000/month. The process is very streamlined and automatic. Good luck.

  4. Licensed in CA

    Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
    Contributor Level 14

    1

    Lawyer agrees

    Answered February 14, 2013 08:32. Check with Legal Aid for free representation in civil matters:

    http://www.lafla.org/

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