Being in jail is an awful and dehumanizing experience. Public defenders fight to get their clients released. Evidence shows that people who are free while their case is moving through the court system are more likely to have better outcomes than if they are in jail.
Pretrial Release
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime, you will have an initial court appearance before a judge within 48 hours. This appearance is guaranteed as part of your constitutional rights. During this initial appearance, you’ll be provided a public defender or other court appointed counsel to assist you. You will be advised of your legal rights, including your right to request a public defender to represent you. The judge will review the charges against you and information about you to determine whether to release you and with what conditions.
Pretrial release allows you to return home while you await your trial date. Once you have been released you must apply for a public defender and demonstrate that you qualify for our services.