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Public Defender FAQ's
09/22/2005 09:49:17 - Published by Ibero, Jenny
Advice for New Clients:
Do not talk about your case. If anyone tries to counsel you about your charges, you should tell them that you cannot speak to them unless your attorney is present
Sometimes a law enforcement officer may try after you have been arrested. They may even promise to speak on your behalf at a later time or agree to reduce or withdraw your charges. Unfortunately, these promises cannot always be enforced.
If friends or family want to talk with you about your charges, you should not talk to them. If the police or the prosecutor find out that you made statements to these people, they could be summoned as witnesses against you and be forced to testify. Even innocent statements made may later be turned into something that makes it appear that you are guilty, even if you are not.
Write down everything you remember about your case. Take the time to remember everything you can about the charges.
Where were you?
Who was with you?
What were you doing?
Sometimes even the smallest bit of information can be helpful in developing a defense. If you have the names of any witnesses, try to get their addresses and telephone numbers.
Whenever you appear in court, show respect for the judge. The way you behave in court can have a significant impact on the outcome of the case. It can affect the amount and type of bail set at your preliminary arraignment. The impression you make on the judge can influence whether he/she believes you and your witnesses. Always be calm and polite.
At the preliminary hearing, listen to your attorney. In most cases, your attorney will not allow you to testify at the preliminary hearing. The purpose of this hearing is to find out what evidence the police have. If you testify, the prosecutor will be allowed to ask you questions. This could confuse you or hurt your case later. Listen carefully and follow the instructions of your attorney.
The Public Defender's Office does not receive any notice of new charges filed against you. If you are contacted by the police, rearrested or receive a summons in the mail concerning new charges, contact the Public Defender's Office immediately. If you do not do this, there may not be an attorney present to represent you at the time of your hearing.
It is very important for the public defender to be able to contact you. Whenever there is a change in your status; such as, change of address, moved, or released from jail; you should contact the office and let us know where you are. This is very important when preparing a defense and may affect the outcome of your case.
Common Client Questions
Q: How do I get a public defender to represent me in a case?
A: If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense or received a summons in the mail, you must come in person to the Office of the Public Defender to apply for legal services.
When you come to the office, you should bring these documents with you:
The criminal complaint or summons you received;
Verification of income.
To verify your income, you should bring with you:
Your last 4 pay stubs;
Proof of SSI or other government support.
If you are not employed, receiving public assistance or any kind of government support, you should bring a letter from the relative or friend who is supporting you now. After we have determined that you are charged with an offense covered by the Public Defender Act and are unable to financially hire a private attorney, you will be interviewed and have the opportunity to speak with a lawyer about your case.
Q: When do I meet my attorney?
A: If released on bond, you will be able to speak with an attorney at the time of your intake interview. If you are in custody because of these charges, you will meet the attorney prior to a preliminary hearing.
Q: What happens at the preliminary hearing?
A: At a preliminary hearing the prosecutor must show that there is sufficient evidence to bring charges against you and take the case to trial. In most cases you will not testify at the preliminary hearing. Because the magistrate does not have the authority to resolve all legal issues in any case, a defense will not be presented at this stage. This is the opportunity to learn what evidence the prosecution has. After this, you will have time to organize and prove any defense you may have.
Q: What if my charges are held for court?
A: If charges are held for court, a date will be assigned for a formal arraignment. At that time the final charges filed by the District Attorney, along with any evidence may be reviewed. A pre-trial conference will then be scheduled. At that time you will advise the court on how you wish to proceed and a trial date will be scheduled.
Q: Will my attorney be experienced enough to handle my case?
A: Attorneys in the Office of the Public Defender have a wide range of experience. Each attorney demonstrates the ability to competently fulfill the duties in which they have been assigned.
Q: What if I am able to hire my own attorney?
A: If you are financially able to hire your own attorney, you are encouraged to do so immediately. Our services are limited to people who cannot afford counsel on their own.
The staff at the Public Defenders office work hard for all of their clients. They ensure that individuals who lack the funds to obtain legal counsel receive what is constitutionally guaranteed.
Chief Public Defender
John R. Parroccini has served as the Chief of the Warren County Public Defender's
office since 2004. Prior to that he was an Assistant Public Defender in Allegheny County for two years.
He has been an attorney in Pennsylvania since 1998. He is a memeber of the Public Defenders Association of
Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Mr. Parroccini holds a Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University
School of Law and a bacholor degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Assistant Public Defender
Alan M. Conn has served as an Assistant Public Defender in the Warren County office
since 2003. Prior to that he served as a judical clerk for Judge McGinley of Leigh County.
He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
He has been a licensed attorney since 2000. Mr. Conn holds a Juris Doctorate from
Temple University School of Law and a bacholor degree from Bowling Green State University.
Administrative Assistant
Lenore L. Glotz has served as the administrative assistant for the office since
February of 2002. Prior to that she was the Deputy Prothonatary for Warren County.
Our Mission
The Office of the Public Defender is responsible for furnishing
competent and effective legal counsel to any person who lacks sufficient
funds to obtain legal counsel in any proceeding where representation is
constitutionally required.
The Public Defender Act authorizes the Office of the Public Defender to
provide legal counsel in the following matters:
Where a person is charged with juvenile delinquency;
Critical pretrial identification procedures;
Preliminary hearings;
State habeas corpus proceedings;
State trials, including pretrial and post- trial motions;
Superior Court appeals;
Pennsylvania Supreme Court appeals;
Post conviction hearings at the trial and appellate levels;
Criminal extradition proceedings;
Probation and parole violation hearings;
Involuntary commitment under the Mental Health Procedures Act;
Any proceeding where personal liberty is in jeopardy.
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