The judge gave me an order giving me a lawyer, what do I need to do for the public defender to qualify me?

Your lawyer is:

Office of the State Public Defender
Farm Bureau Building
502 S 19th, Suite 211
Bozeman, MT 59715

Phone: 406-582-2450

You must immediately call the public defender:

  • Ask to talk to the person who handles the applications
  • Ask "Do you have my application?"
  • Ask "Do you need anything else from me?"

In 10 days, you must give the public defender:

  • A completed application
  • The other information they need
  • Be ready to give proof of your income, like paycheck stubs, bank statements, and tax returns. Or you can bring a letter from your employer, social security, or the welfare office
  • Be ready to give proof of your expenses, like rent, insurance, utility bills, payments due to other courts, or medical bills
  • Be ready to talk about other expenses, like gas for your car, food, child-care costs, or child-support

The public defender will review your application:

  • If you qualify, they will continue as your lawyer
  • If you don't qualify, they will stop being your lawyer
  • They will tell you their decision

Show All Answers

1. When is the Court Clerk’s office open?
2. What time will the Judge see me on my ticket?
3. Can I just pay my ticket and not come to Court?
4. Who do I make a check out to when making a payment?
5. Where do I mail my payment?
6. How do I find out how much I owe the Court?
7. What information do I need to put on my check?
8. How can I make a payment to the Court?
9. My case is in collections. Where do I make my payment?
10. How do I find out why my driver’s license is suspended?
11. When must the court give me a lawyer for my criminal or traffic case?
12. How do I ask the judge for a lawyer on my criminal or traffic case?
13. The judge gave me an order giving me a lawyer, what do I need to do for the public defender to qualify me?
14. The Public Defender says I don’t qualify, can I ask the Judge to decide?