The In-Court Attorney Referral Program is available for certain defendants who want an attorney to represent them but have not yet hired an attorney by the time they appear in court.

The program is limited to defendants who are in court for:

• misdemeanor traffic offenses;
• misdemeanor domestic violence offeneses;
• orders of protections;
• criminal misdemeanor offenses; or
• felony preliminary hearings; and
• who do not qualify for representation by the Office of the Public Defender.*

Judges may refer such defendants to attorneys who are participating in the In-Court Attorney Referral Program. Called “bar attorneys,” these attorneys are present in court and available for a consultation that same day.

Bar attorneys are a qualified, select group of attorneys who are supplied by local bar associations, including minority and women bar associations.

If the bar attorney files an appearance, the attorney and client will enter into a fee agreement for a reasonable fee or the cash bond. Bar attorneys do not charge for the initial conference.

Orders of Protection
Domestic violence advocates are present in court to assist victims.