First, an attorney will appear with the client at the next court date to enter a plea of not guilty and to schedule future court dates. Based upon the nature of the charges, custodial status of the client and the procedures in the local court, the case will then be assigned to an attorney. The assigned attorney will be responsible for the client's case(s) from that time forward. (Sometimes another attorney may appear in court with the client if the assigned attorney is unavailable; however, the assigned attorney makes all of the legal decisions about the case.)
The Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office staff at every level is dedicated to only one purpose: to provide excellent legal services to our clients. Working together as a team with a positive attorney-client relationship we can assure the most effective representation.