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1. 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.

2. Who does my attorney work for?

The attorney employed by the Alternate Public Defender's Office is an employee of Humboldt County.

3. How can I find out who my attorney is and when I go to court?

Once the Alternate Public Defender's Office is appointed to represent you, I will send you a letter giving you your court date . If you have not received the letter, please call the Alternate Public Defender's Office at (775) 623-6037, and ask for the information.

4. What kind of cases does the Alternate Public Defender Office handle?

The lawyer in the Alternate Public Defender's office practices in several different courts. The attorney defends adults and juveniles charged with every type of crime, from misdemeanor to murder, Also in family court, representing parents whose children have been removed from the home and are in the care and custody of Humboldt County. Lastly, represents clients in District Court, Justice Court, and Specialty Courts.

5. Can you help me with my divorce, landlord/tenant issues, or small claims case?

No. Only those who are facing jail or prison time or parents who are facing losing permanent custody of their children through government action are entitled to free legal representation.

If Social Services have removed your children, placing them in the care and custody of Humboldt County, you may apply for the legal representation as well. 

6. Can I fire my lawyer?

No. You are entitled to an attorney, but you are not entitled to the attorney of your choice. Once the attorney in the Alternate Public Defender's Office has been appointed to represent you, that person will remain your attorney until the case is concluded. Your only other option is to hire private counsel, if you can afford to do so, or to try to represent yourself, which is never a wise choice.

7. How do I get a lawyer?

If you have been charged with a crime and are facing the potential of a jail sentence, you may apply for legal representation if you cannot afford to hire a lawyer. At the time of your first appearance before the Judge, let the Judge know that you would like an attorney to be appointed to represent you. 

If you are a parent and Child Protective Services or the Humboldt County Human Services Department have removed your children, placing them in the care and custody of Humboldt County, you may apply for the legal representation as well.  

8. Where are you located?

The Alternate Public Defender's Office is located at the Humboldt County Courthouse, 50 W. 5th Street, Winnemucca, Nevada. The phone number for the office is (775) 623-6037; the fax number is (775) 623-6038.

9. Is my lawyer really a lawyer?

Yes. The attorney in the Alternate Public Defender`s Office has graduated from law school, and taken and passed the Nevada Bar Exam. In order to be employed as an attorney in the Alternate Public Defender's Office, the lawyer must be licensed in the State of Nevada to practice law, and be in good standing with the Nevada State Bar.