Legal Assistance Info

Inmate resources

Legal Assistance

Legal assistance helps ensure that individuals have access to their rights, a fair legal process, and representation.

Right to Legal Representation

Individuals have a constitutional right to legal representation during criminal proceedings. If a inmate has not bonded out, the court will automatically appoint a public defender at the first court date, called arraignment.

If a person has bonded out and wishes to be represented by a public defender, they must complete an application and present it to the judge at the next court date.

Common Questions

If I make bond, can I still get a public defender? Making bond creates a presumption that a person may be financially able to hire private counsel. A judge can still appoint a public defender after reviewing financial need.

Are public defenders real lawyers? Yes. Public defenders are licensed attorneys who practice criminal defense and participate in continuing legal education.

Would I be better off hiring a private attorney? If you can afford to hire a private attorney, you should hire one, because you are not entitled to the services of the public defender. Public defenders are experienced: they try more cases in a year than many attorneys try in a lifetime. Public defenders are also highly specialized: because they work exclusively on criminal defense in Oklahoma County, they have an unparalleled, intimate knowledge of the criminal justice system here. Private attorneys and public defenders go to exactly the same law schools, represent the same types of individuals, and produce similar results in the courtroom. Many private attorneys in this county have worked as public defenders, and many public defenders have worked in private practice.

How do you defend someone you know is guilty? Only a jury can decide whether an individual is guilty or innocent. Our job is to provide our clients with the best representation possible, to ensure that their constitutional rights to due process, a fair trial, and a competent defense are protected.
Call the public defender's office at 405-713-1550.
Call the court clerk's office at 405-713-1705.

I've forgotten my lawyer's name, how do I find out who represents me? Call 405-713-1550 with your name and birth date, and the public defender's receptionist will be able to tell you your attorney's name. If possible, please have your case number available as well.

Are all court-appointed attorneys public defenders? No, when it would be impossible for the public defender's office to fairly represent an individual - a witness against a client, for example - the court appoints a private attorney, called a conflict attorney, instead of a public defender.

What is a guardian ad litem? Guardians ad litem are attorneys appointed by the court to represent children in domestic proceedings. Guardians ad litem are most often appointed in cases involving allegations of abuse or neglect.

Appointment of Counsel: If an individual cannot afford to hire a private attorney, the court may appoint a public defender to represent them. Public defenders are attorneys who are employed or contracted by the government to provide legal representation to indigent defendants.
Caseload Challenges: Public defenders often handle heavy caseloads, and this can impact the amount of time they can dedicate to each case. However, they play a critical role in ensuring legal representation for those who cannot afford private attorneys.
Nonprofit Legal Services: In addition to public defenders, there are often nonprofit legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to individuals in need. These organizations may focus on specific legal issues, such as criminal defense, immigration, or civil rights.
Inmates needing legal assistance may qualify for free legal help through Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma. Please visit the Legal Aid website or call 1-888-534-5243, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pretrial Services: Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief: Legal assistance is also crucial for individuals seeking to appeal convictions or pursue post-conviction relief. This involves challenging the legal validity of the conviction or sentence after the initial trial.
Access to Legal Resources: Law Libraries: Some correctional facilities have law libraries or provide access to legal resources, enabling inmates to research and understand their legal rights and options.
Legal Aid Hotlines: Inmates may have access to legal aid hotlines or similar services that provide information and guidance on legal matters.
Post-Conviction Legal Assistance: Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief: Legal assistance is also crucial for individuals seeking to appeal convictions or pursue post-conviction relief. This involves challenging the legal validity of the conviction or sentence after the initial trial.