Criminal Indigent Defense Assistance

The Indigent Defense Panel serves the public by providing a defense attorney in those cases where the individual cannot afford to hire a criminal defense attorney and where the Public Defender is unable to provide counsel due to a conflict in representation.

Here is the procedure for obtaining an attorney through the Indigent Defense Panel:

If the Judge determines that a defendant qualifies for the appointment of counsel, the Public Defender will be appointed.
If the Public Defender declares a conflict, or an overload, Conflict Criminal Defenders will be appointed.
Conflict Criminal Defenders will assign a panel attorney (a member of the Indigent Defense Panel, who is an independent attorney contractor) to the case.
Attorneys who are active members of the Sacramento County Bar Association Indigent Defense Panel are assigned to provide representation, based on the complexity of the case and experience of the attorney.

Here's additional information about the program and links to other helpful on line information.