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1. What are my Constitutional rights in the criminal law process?

The Right to Remain Silent: You are not required to tell the police or anyone else anything about the charges against you. Do not talk to anyone about your case unless your attorney or your Public Defender or his or her representative is with you.

The Right to a Lawyer: When you are charged with a crime for which you can go to prison, you have the right to a lawyer. If you do not have the money for a lawyer the Court will refer you to a court appointed lawyer or to the Public Defender's Office.

The Right to Trial by Jury: If you are charged with a serious crime, you have a right to a trial by jury.

2. How do I know if I'm eligible for a Public Defender?

If you have been charged with a serious crime for which you could be sent to prison, you may visit the Hidalgo County Indigent Defense Office to see if you meet the financial eligibility requirements for a Public Defender.

3. At what stages in the criminal law process does the Public Defender represent me?

When you are found financially eligible, the Public Defender's Office will represent you as soon as you are charged with a serious crime for which you could be sent to prison and stay with your case from arraignment up until final appeal.