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Riverside:

(951) 667-5293

Orange County:

(714) 758-5293

who you hire can make all the difference

Mr. Donath has spent his entire career defending people and standing up for the rights of the accused.

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  • former deputy public defender

    As a former Deputy Public Defender in Riverside County, Mr. Donath has always been on the defense side of the law. 

  • award winning certified criminal law specialist

    Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California 2012-2014, 2008 Trial Attorney of the Year by the Riverside County Public Defender's Office, and dozens of other awards and accolades.

  • a true passion for defending the accused

    Your lawyer should have a passion for defense, not just a passion for money. Reputation, vigor, and determination go a long way in this business.

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How Do I Get A Public Defender In Riverside?

Posted in General FAQ'S on May 1, 2014

In the United States of America, all criminal defendants are entitled to an attorney when facing criminal charges. In the event a defendant cannot afford one, it is up to the State or local government to provide one for them. Unfortunately, you must wait until a formal criminal charge has been brought against you in court, and then go to court and ask.

A Judge will have you fill out a sworn declaration as to your finances, or ask you questions, or both, to see if you qualify financially. Technically, the Public Defender is supposed to be reserved for the “indigent”…those who have no reasonable means of providing for their own lawyer.

Many counties have, as a cost-saving and efficiency means, created a formal Public Defender’s office to represent those individuals who need a lawyer in a criminal case but cannot afford one, including Riverside County.

In other situations, local governments have contracted with a number of private defense attorneys to provide those services individually, or collectively. These are often commonly referred to “state appointed” lawyers by defendants, although the Public Defender is also technically “state appointed” also.

Ultimately the difference lies in the individual lawyers handling your case themselves.

Negative & Positive Aspects of Working With a Public Defender

The down side of waiting for a public defender is that you miss out on a number of important opportunities and areas that should be covered by your defense attorney. For instance, if arrested for a DUI, your license is automatically suspended unless you request a legal proceeding called an APS hearing. However, a Public Defender will not be able to help you in any way with such a proceeding.

The up side to a public defender is that you get a free lawyer, but nowadays most courts are assessing “attorney’s fees” at the end anyway, and you may be forced to actually pay for your public defender after the fact!

If you have questions, contact Riverside, California Attorney Graham Donath at 951-667-5293. Let him answer your questions.