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What is the difference between the Public Defender`s office and the Alternate Public Defender`s Office?

April 26, 2017alternate difference Office public

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What is the difference between the Public Defender`s office and the Alternate Public Defender`s Office?

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The Washoe County Public Defender`s Office initially takes every case where a person has been appointed a lawyer. The cases are then screened by staff members to see if there is a conflict of interest. Conflicts of interest can arise if the Public Defender has represented a victim or witness in a case, or if there is more than one defendant charged with the crime. If the Public Defender`s Office determines that there is a legal reason it cannot represent a person, then that case is sent to the Alternate Public Defender`s Office. If the Alternate Public Defender s office also has a conflict of interest, then a private lawyer will handle the case.