Finding A Lawyer After Arrest

Table of Contents

1. Public Defender
2. Detention
3. Hiring a Lawyer
4. Frequently Asked Questions

Public Defender

When arrested in California, you may qualify to be represented by a public defender. A public defender is a court-appointed attorney who is provided to those who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Generally, people who have an income that is below a certain threshold may qualify for a public defender. In California, to qualify for a public defender your family size must be 4 or less and your household income must be less than $46,000.

Detention

If you are arrested in California, you can be held in jail for up to 48 hours, not including weekends and holidays, before you must be taken before a judge. During these 48 hours, you may be held without charges or without a hearing. However, once you are taken before a judge, you must be charged with a crime or released. In some cases, you may be held for up to 72 hours if you are arrested on a Friday or over the weekend.

Hiring a Lawyer

If you are arrested and cannot qualify for a public defender, you will need to hire a lawyer. You can do this by searching online or in the telephone directory for a criminal defense attorney. You should look for an attorney who is experienced and has a good track record with similar cases. You will also want to make sure to find out whether the lawyer will charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. You should also ask about payment plans or other arrangements that may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who qualifies for a public defender in California?

  In California, to qualify for a public defender your family size must be 4 or less and your household income must be less than $46,000.

• How long can you be detained in California?

  If you are arrested in California, you can be held in jail for up to 48 hours, not including weekends and holidays, before you must be taken before a judge. In some cases, you may be held for up to 72 hours if you are arrested on a Friday or over the weekend.