Public Defender – Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Public Defender?

We only represent clients appointed by a Judge in criminal cases. Whether or not the Judge appoints our office depends on how serious the charges are and whether the Judge believes that you cannot afford to hire your own attorney.

I need a Public Defender to file for divorce, work out visitation and child support, or landlord/tenant problems. What can I do?

The Public Defender’s office is only appointed to represent people in criminal matters (felonies and misdemeanors), contempt, paternity, mental health, or juvenile matters where either jail-time is possible, or the case involves some other liberty interest. This office also does appeals to the Nebraska Court of Appeals on criminial matters. If your matter deals with divorce or landlord/tenant problems, you will need to contact Legal Services at 2121 1st Avenue, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361, or telephone (308) 632-7476. On contempt matters in District Court, you will need to ask for a Court-appointed attorney by contacting the Court directly upon service of the contempt citation.

I forgot my Court date. What can I do?

If arraigned in County Court and our office is appointed, you are given a sheet of paper which lists the date, time and location of your next Court appearance. If not available, you can call our office at (308) 436-6678 and our support staff will be happy to look it up for you. If you are not represented by our office, you may call the Clerk of the County Court at (308) 436-6648.