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CONDADO DE VENTURA OFICINA DEL DEFENSOR PUBLICO DUANE A. DAMMEYER
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1. What kind of cases does the Public Defender handle? We mainly represent people charged with felony or misdemeanor crimes. We represent young people who have cases in Juvenile Court. We also represent people who are alleged to be mentally ill or need guardian to care for them. We don’t represent people charged with infractions, such as traffic tickets.
2. How do I find out if I am eligible to get a Public Defender? During your first court appearance you can apply for our services. Anyone who cannot afford to hire a private attorney is eligible for our services. We’ll have you fill out a brief financial information sheet (green sheet) that will help us determine if you qualify for a public defender.
3. When do I meet my Public Defender? There will be a Public Defender in court at your first appearance. Often that attorney will not be your permanent Public Defender. It takes a few days for your case to be assigned to your personal Public Defender.
4. Are Public Defenders lawyers? Yes. They are all attorneys and members of the California Bar. All of them are criminal defense lawyers, and we are the most experienced law firm in Ventura County.
5. Will I have to pay for the Public Defender? All clients are initially charged $25.00 by the court. After that it depends; all of our adult clients are expected to pay for Public Defender services, based on how much money they have. After the case is over a judge may award attorney fees.
6. Can I get a Public Defender if I don’t live in Ventura County? Yes. If the crime that you are accused of happened anywhere in Ventura County, we will represent you, even if you live in another county or another state.
7. How can I find out if I have a Ventura County warrant for my arrest? You can call our office at (805) 654-2201 and ask for a paralegal to assist you.
8. Will the Public Defender talk about my case with my family or friends?
Not without your permission. All of the information that you give us is confidential and protected by the attorney-client privilege. However, if you let us, we will speak to your family about some parts of your case.
9. What does it mean to be put on probation? Probation means that you will be supervised by the court. The court uses the probation office to make sure that you are not breaking the law. There are different types of probation, depending on the crime you are convicted of.
10. How can I find out who my Public Defender is? You can call our front desk at (805) 654-2201.
11. When can I meet my Public Defender? About three days after your first appearance we will get your personal Public Defender assigned for the rest of your case. After that you need to call our office at (805) 654-2201 and speak with your Public Defender. You can set up a meeting; either in person at our office or on the phone. If you are in custody our attorney will speak with you in the jail or by video conference.
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FAQ’S |
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To Contact Us:
HALL OF JUSTICE 800 S. VICTORIA AVE. RM. # 207 VENTURA, CA 93009 (805) 654-2201
OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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