Frequently Asked Questions

• DOES LAKE COUNTY HAVE A PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE?
• WHO ARE THE ATTORNEYS PROVIDING INDIGENT DEFENSE AND HOW CAN I CONTACT THEM?
• WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY COURT-APPOINTED ATTORNEY?
• WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF MY COURT-APPOINTED ATTORNEY?
• WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MY CASE? WHEN IS MY NEXT COURT DATE? WHO ARE THE WITNESSES? WHY IS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE CHARGING ME WITH A CRIME?
• WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION, COMMENT OR COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ATTORNEY PROVIDING ME WITH INDIGENT DEFENSE?
• WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT HOW INDIGENT DEFENSE WORKS IN LAKE COUNTY, THE QUALIFICATIONS OF MY COURT-APPOINTED ATTORNEY, OR ANOTHER QUESTION NOT LISTED ABOVE?

Q:
DOES LAKE COUNTY HAVE A PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE?

A:
No. Lake County provides indigent defense on a contract basis. Private attorneys in the community have a contractual relationship with LLDS, Inc. to provide representation on court-appointed cases. These attorneys have their own offices in Lake County, their own local telephone numbers and their own case assignments.

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Q:
WHO ARE THE ATTORNEYS PROVIDING INDIGENT DEFENSE AND HOW CAN I CONTACT THEM?

A:
The attorneys who are currently sub-contractors for LLDS, Inc. are as follows:

Attorneys

Conservatorships

Private Investigation

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Q:
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY COURT-APPOINTED ATTORNEY?

A:
The Judges of the Consolidated Courts of Lake County have the authority to make a determination as to whether or not you qualify for the services of a court-appointed attorney. To qualify, you must be “indigent”. The Court will ask you to fill out a form to assist in making a determination as to whether or not you are indigent. After reviewing the responses you have provided, the Judge will advise you whether you qualify to receive a court-appointed attorney.

As the Judge needs to make this determination, it will necessarily happen at the date of your first court appearance.

If the Judge decides that you are indigent and you do qualify for a court-appointed attorney, the Judge will appoint one of the attorneys right away.

If the Judge decides that you are not indigent and do not qualify for a court-appointed attorney, you will most likely have to hire an attorney. The Court will usually give you extra time to hire an attorney if you request it.

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Q:
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF MY COURT-APPOINTED ATTORNEY?

A:
Each of the attorneys who have a contract with LLDS, Inc. come from different backgrounds and have different experiences. Each one is admitted to the State Bar of California and is in good standing with the State Bar. Each one of them is required to take continuing education classes in order to keep their legal knowledge and skills up to date. Some of the attorneys handle misdemeanors, some handle felonies and some handle both types of cases. In addition, there are attorneys who have particular experience and skill in the area of juvenile defense.

LLDS, Inc. is owned and managed by a State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist. There are approximately 350 such specialists in the State of California. For further information about a Certified Specialist, visit the State Bar’s website at: http://members.calbar.ca.gov/search/ls_search.aspx

LLDS, Inc. conducts training seminars for attorneys who are new to Lake County and provides one-on-one training for these attorneys.

If you have a particular question about the skills, level of experience, training, background of your court-appointed attorney, speak with your attorney about it or contact LLDS, Inc. for further information.

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Q:
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MY CASE? WHEN IS MY NEXT COURT DATE? WHO ARE THE WITNESSES? WHY IS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE CHARGING ME WITH A CRIME?

A:
If you have a specific question about your specific case, you need to speak directly with your court-appointed attorney. This is the person who has your file and will be in the best position to advise you about the particulars associated with your case.

If you do not have a court-appointed attorney yet, you likely will not receive your responses to these questions until a Judge determines that you are eligible for the services of a court-appointed attorney and appoints one to your case. This will normally take place at your first court appearance. Of course you can always consult with a private attorney if you wish.

If you are a family member of a defendant who has a court-appointed attorney, you should be aware that there are attorney-client confidentiality rules that may impact the legal ability of the attorney to speak with you about the case. These rules are designed by the State Bar and the State of California for the protection of the client and the client’s confidences with his or her attorney.

If you have trouble reaching your court-appointed attorney or are not sure who your court-appointed attorney is, contact LLDS, Inc. at (707) 245-6738.

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Q:
WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION, COMMENT OR COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ATTORNEY PROVIDING ME WITH INDIGENT DEFENSE?

A:
Questions, comments and/or complaints about your court-appointed attorney can be directed to:

Lake Legal Defense Services, Inc.
Post Office Box 2043
Lower Lake, CA 95457
Telephone: (707) 245-6738

When you are calling or writing, be sure to include:

(1) your full name and case number;
(2) the name of your attorney;
(3) the department your case is assigned to;
(4) and the date of your last and next court appearances.

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Q:
WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT HOW INDIGENT DEFENSE WORKS IN LAKE COUNTY, THE QUALIFICATIONS OF MY COURT-APPOINTED ATTORNEY, OR ANOTHER QUESTION NOT LISTED ABOVE?

A:
Questions can be directed to:

Lake Legal Defense Services, Inc.
Post Office Box 2043
Lower Lake, CA 95457
Telephone: (707) 245-6738

If you are calling after-hours and have to leave a message, be sure to leave a complete message, including your name, your case number, your court-appointed attorney’s name and a telephone number where you can be reached.

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