Q. HOW DO I GET AN ATTORNEY FROM THE PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE?

At arraignment, the court will decide if you are eligible to have Wexford Missaukee Public Defender represent you in your court case based on financial considerations. Once you have been referred to our office, we will then appoint an attorney for you. Wexford Missaukee Public Defender can only represent you if found eligible by the court; we do not take cases for pay.

Q. WHO IS MY ATTORNEY?

If the court finds you eligible, we will contact you within 48 hours to let you know who your attorney is. You can also call 231-444-0480 at any time and we will assist you.

Q. HOW DO I GET TO THE WEXFORD MISSAUKEE DEFENDER OFFICE

The Wexford Missaukee Defender office is located on the 419 N. Lake Street, Cadillac, MI 49601.

Q. WHEN IS MY NEXT COURT DATE?

Whenever you appear before the judge, they will schedule your next court date. If you have been assigned an attorney with Wexford Missaukee Defender, we will mail a notice to the most recent address that we have on file for you. If you have not received a notice via mail, you are free to call our office at 231-444-0480.    Be sure to immediately update the office with any change to your phone number or mailing address.

Q. IS WEXFORD MISSAUKEE DEFENDER PART OF WEXFORD MISSAUKEE COUNTY COURTS?

No. per MIDC standard 5, the Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders office is independent of the court system.  We are not part of the Wexford Missaukee Court, or Prosecutors Office. Wexford Missaukee Defender operates under a state and county grant with oversight from the Michigan Indigent Defense Council (MIDC).

Q. CAN I SPEAK WITH A PUBLIC DEFENDER EVEN THOUGH I ALREADY HAVE AN ATTORNEY?

No. Once you are represented by an attorney, our office cannot advise you.

Q. WHAT DO I DO IF THERE IS A WARRANT FOR MY ARREST?

IF YOU ALREADY HAVE AN ATTORNEY:  Let the attorney know immediately if you believe you have a new warrant. AT ARRAIGNMENT: you will have the opportunity to talk with an attorney from Wexford Missaukee Defender about your options in a criminal case. The purpose of the arraignment is to announce the charge and maximum possible punishment to the accused; set a bond / bail amount (if any); and set a date for the next court proceeding—usually a Pretrial (misdemeanor) or Probable Cause Conference (felony).

Q. HOW DO I PAY BAIL?

If you have a money bond, you can talk with your attorney about reducing or eliminating bond. Local aid organizations may be able to assistance you, or you can try to make financial arrangements with family to pay your bond.  You may also employ a bail-bond company.

Q. CAN I GET SOMEONE FROM WEXFORD MISSAUKEE DEFENDER TO SPEAK TO MY ORGANIZATION OR SCHOOL?

Yes, Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders are eager to engage with our community. You can contact us at 231-444-0480 or email us at Defender@wexfordcounty.org.