Seeking criminal defense attorney, public defender in NY state for violation of protection order

The judge cannot put you in jail for not having a lawyer, but he can order a more thorough examination of your finances. He can then order you to reimburse the county for the cost of a county-appointed attorney (through the State's 18-B system) and put you in jail for civil contempt if you ignore the order to reimburse the count. He can do the same if he chooses to order you to pay the court-appointed attorney something on top of the court-appointed fee he would be getting. Both of those are long-shots and long way off but possible. Have you consulted private attorneys? Many will work with you on the fee or charge you by the appearance to reduce the costs. Criminal contempt (breaking an order of protection) is not a charge to take lightly.

You should be aware that you have the absolute right to represent yourself. I do not think it is a good idea to do so especially on a Charge of Crinimnal Contempt but if you tell the Judge that you want to represent yourself he cannot stop you.

If you have not been to court before on this matter, at your initial appearance the judge will set bail in your case. Generally, in these types of cases the court will release you on a signature bond not requiring you to put any cash down to leave that day. To be safe, bring some cash with you, or have someone on notice to have cash available to ensure you walk out of the courtroom that day.