In Grant County, only the Court may appoint counsel to represent you at public expense (a public defender). You will have the opportunity to request an attorney at your first court hearing. In fact, the judge will ask you if you would like counsel appointed.
District Court: When you go to court for your first appearance, you will probably need to fill out a form to ask for a lawyer. If you qualify, the judge will appoint counsel. After a few days you should call the Department of Public Defense at 509-754-6027. The staff will let you know that you have been assigned an attorney, who that attorney is and how to get hold of them. If there is something that may need to happen in your case immediately, like preserving evidence or finding witnesses before they leave, do not wait. Please contact our office right away.
Superior Court: At your first hearing, whether in custody or appearing by summons, there will be an attorney assigned for the day to help you with the process. The Judge will provisionally appoint counsel at the first hearing. Your assigned attorney should be in touch with you within a day or two. At the next hearing your appointed attorney will appear with you and be sure the appropriate paperwork is filled out to qualify . With few exceptions, the attorney appearing with you will be your attorney. If there is something that may need to happen in your case immediately, like preserving evidence or finding witnesses before they leave, do not wait. Please contact our office right away.