How do I get a get a Deputy Pubic Defender to represent me?
If you have been arrested for a crime allegedly committed in Shasta County and remain in custody, you will be brought to court, usually within 48 hours of your arrest. If you were released from custody before appearing in court, at the time of your release from custody, you will be given a date, time and place to appear in court. The first day you appear in court is called an arraignment. When you appear in court for your arraignment, you will be asked by the court if you want to be represented by an attorney. If you say yes, the court will ask you if you can afford to hire an attorney with your own money (sometimes you are asked this question by a Court Collections Officer before the judge comes out for court). If you say no, the Court will appoint the Public Defender Office. A Deputy Public Defender who handles arraignments will accept the appointment on behalf of the Office. However, that arraignment attorney may not be the actual attorney assigned to represent you in court. Once yo
