Are public defenders "real lawyers"?

Yes!  Public defenders are just as "real" as private criminal defense lawyers and civil lawyers.  All the attorneys at the Grant County Department of Public Defense have graduated from college and law school.  They have met the same Washington State Bar Association requirements to practice law in the courts of Washington State.  They are also qualified to handle your individual case under the Washington Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense.  The Standards for Indigent Defense are found in this link. pdf.

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1. How do I get a public defender in Grant County?
2. Are public defenders "real lawyers"?
3. Since you are paid by the government the same as prosecutors, aren't you just working together?
4. If I have a problem with my court-appointed lawyer, how do I file a complaint?
5. How can I get a different lawyer assigned to me?
6. What if I can't reach my public defender?