Criminal Defense Lawyers

Qualifying for a Public Defender in Brooklyn Criminal Court

Getting a Public Defender for Your Criminal Case in Brooklyn

Dealing with criminal charges in Brooklyn can be scary and overwhelming. Believe me, I get it. You probably have a ton of questions about the legal process and what your options are. The good news is that if you can’t afford a private attorney, you may qualify for a free public defender to represent you.

In this article, I’ll walk through everything you need to know about qualifying for and working with a public defender in Brooklyn criminal court. We’ll cover:

• Who’s eligible for a public defender
• How to apply and qualify
• What to expect if you get approved
• Working with your public defender
• Other low-cost legal resources

I know this is a stressful time. But with the right legal help, you can get through this!

Am I Eligible for a Public Defender in Brooklyn?

The first question is whether you financially qualify for a free public defender. To be eligible, you have to show that hiring a private defense attorney would be an “undue hardship.”

The exact income limits depend on your household size. But as an example, for a family of 4, if your total household income is less than $46,400 per year, you’d likely qualify based on income alone.

Even if your income is above the limit though, you may still qualify if paying for a private lawyer would prevent you from affording basics like food, housing, and medical care. So it’s always worth applying!

Some other factors that can help you qualify:

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

• Currently receiving public assistance (food stamps, Medicaid, etc.)
• Facing jail time if convicted
• Immigration status could be impacted
• Disabled or have medical issues
• Student with limited income

So if you’re low-income or can’t afford thousands in legal fees, don’t assume you won’t qualify without applying!

How Do I Apply for a Public Defender?

Applying is the next step after your arrest and arraignment (first court hearing). Here’s a quick run-through of what to expect:

1. Fill out a detailed financial affidavit. This requires listing your income, expenses, assets, debts, and more. Be sure to disclose everything, as hiding assets could disqualify you.

2. Interview with the judge. The judge reviews your affidavit and asks questions to confirm details. Be honest even if it’s uncomfortable – lying could mean being denied.

3. Get their decision. Often you’ll find out on the spot if you qualify. If the judge needs more info, they may do follow ups later.

Pro Tip: If you’re denied a public defender but still can’t afford a lawyer, ask if you qualify for “18B counsel”. This is reduced-cost representation based on the same financial guidelines.

What Happens After You’re Assigned a Public Defender?

First, congrats! Having that free legal representation is a huge help. Now you can focus on building your defense instead of struggling alone.

Here’s a quick preview of what it’s like working with your public defender:

1. Review your charges and case details. They’ll want to fully understand the charges against you and the prosecution’s evidence. Be 100% open even about sensitive stuff – holding back could hurt your case.

2. Discuss defense strategy. Your lawyer will explain the options and legal strategies to fight the charges. This is when tough decisions might need to be made, but your defender knows best.

3. Attend meetings and court dates. You must show up whenever your lawyer needs to discuss the case in person! Skipping meetings jeopardizes the case, so make it a top priority even if it’s hard to get time off work or arrange childcare. Be patient too – public defenders juggle heavy caseloads.

The reality is battling criminal charges is complicated and scary. Having an expert public defender guiding you through makes ALL the difference. So lean on their expertise and stay committed to working together.

Finding Other Low-Cost Legal Help in Brooklyn

If you aren’t eligible for a public defender, all hope isn’t lost! Here are some other options to find affordable legal services:

• Reach out to legal aid organizations. Organizations like Brooklyn Defender Services or New York Legal Assistance Group provide free or low-cost help based on income.
• Hire a lawyer on payment plans. Many private defense lawyers offer flexible payment plans, even if you can’t pay high retainers upfront.
• Use legal clinics. Local law schools and Bar Associations often host free or sliding-scale legal clinics. It’s a chance to get advice from lawyers and law students.
• Consider limited-scope representation. Instead of hiring a lawyer to handle your entire case, you can pay just for specific help with documents, court appearances, or negotiations. It saves money by unbundling services.

I know it’s daunting trying to secure legal help when money is tight. But keep doing research, asking around, and applying anywhere you might qualify. Having professional legal guidance makes a huge difference!

Resources

How New York’s Freedom of Information Law Works

New York Courts Self-Help Guide on Public Defense

Video Explainer from Brooklyn Defender Services