The Tuolumne County Public Defender's office is located in Sonora, California. The Public Defender's office provide legal representation to those who cannot afford an attorney. They represent those who are assigned by the Superior Court. The court determines whether or not a person is “indigent,” or financially incapable of hiring a private attorney. This usually takes place at the arraignment, which is the first appearance in court after having been arrested. You would be asked if you can afford an attorney, and you would fill out a financial declaration. The judge would then assign this office to represent you. The Public Defender's Office represents those indigent adults assigned by the court in legal proceedings encompassing misdemeanor and felony criminal complaints that have been filed by the District Attorney’s Office. We also, by appointment, handle juvenile cases in which a juvenile has been charged with a misdemeanor or felony. The office may represent parents or children in child dependency cases. They may also represent those who have been involuntarily committed to mental institutions and placed in an involuntary conservatorship. For more information on services of Tuolumne County Public Defender's office, please contact them directly.