What is the difference between the Public Defender's Office and the Alternate Public Defender's Office?

The Humboldt County Public Defender's Office initially takes every case where a person has been appointed a lawyer. The cases are then screened by staff members to see if there is a conflict of interest. Conflicts of interest can arise if the Public Defender has represented a victim or witness in a case, or if there is more than one defendant charged with the crime. If the Public Defender's Office determines that there is a legal reason it cannot represent a person, then that case is sent to the Alternate Public Defender's Office.

If the Alternate Public Defender’s office also has a conflict of interest, then a private lawyer who contracts with Humboldt County will handle the case.

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1. What is the difference between the Public Defender's Office and the Alternate Public Defender's Office?
2. Who does my attorney work for?
3. How can I find out who my attorney is and when I go to court?
4. What kind of cases does the Alternate Public Defender Office handle?
5. Can you help me with my divorce, landlord/tenant issues, or small claims case?
6. Can I fire my lawyer?
7. How do I get a lawyer?
8. Where are you located?
9. Is my lawyer really a lawyer?