There are two ways for you to obtain an attorney to represent you in a criminal case based on low-income eligibility:
- You may go directly to the State Public Defender's Office located at 1316 N. 14th Street, Fourth Floor, Superior, Wisconsin, or you can contact them at 1 (715) 721-2045. They will discuss the steps you need to take to determine if you are eligible for public defender representation.
- If you are not eligible for public defender representation, the Public Defender's Office will give you a form called Petition for Court Appointment of Counsel. You may be eligible for counsel at a reduced rate; however you will be responsible for making monthly payments. You need to file that form with the Clerk of Courts Office. The judge will then decide whether to appoint an attorney to represent you. To obtain specific information on the eligibility requirements, contact the Court Commissioner’s Office at (715) 395-1474 or the Clerk of Court at (715) 395-1203.
If it is determined that you are not eligible for a court appointed attorney, you will need to hire your own attorney, if so desired, or represent yourself.