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Description
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LEGAL ASSISTANCE: Provides legal representation for individuals with low or no income, who have been arrested or summoned for a jailable offense.
INTAKE PROCEDURE:
INCARCERATED CLIENT: Incarcerated clients first go through the diagnostic center at the Detention Center. After they have been classified by area of incarceration, they are interviewed to see if they are eligible for a public defender.
"ON THE STREET" CLIENT: Clients who are out on bail or on their own recognizance must contact the Commissioner's Office.
INTAKE DOCUMENTATION: Clients must bring the following documents to the interview. Charging documents (summary of charges, summons). Verification of income. 2 pay stubs (must be less than 30 days old). Court Date. If qualified, the client will immediately be appointed a public defender.
CLIENT SERVICES DIVISION: The Public Defender refers clients who may need extra advocacy during the trial to this division. The client may have mitigating circumstances, such as a history of substance abuse, mental illness or HIV, which would suggest the need for an alternative to incarceration. The client is evaluated and, if eligible, is returned to the courtroom with an advocate and expert witnesses.
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Defined coverage areas: Maryland - Dorchester County
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Hours of operation: Mon: 8AM 4:30PM Tue: 8AM 4:30PM Wed: 8AM 4:30PM Thu: 8AM 4:30PM Fri: 8AM 4:30PM
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Eligibility
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Indigent persons who are charged with committing a crime or misdemeanor (based on income and other criteria, e.g. family size/medical bills).
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Languages Offered
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Accommodations can be made, depending on need.
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Program Fees
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No administration fees.
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Application Process
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See notes.
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Documents Required
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Proof of income and documents that list the charges.
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Normal Wait Times
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Varies.
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Programs at this agency
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Office of the Public Defender, Baltimore City Office of the Public Defender, Baltimore County Office of the Public Defender, Anne Arundel County, Glen Burnie Office of the Public Defender, Anne Arundel County, Annapolis Office of the Public Defender, Carroll County Office of the Public Defender, Cecil County Office of the Public Defender, Harford County Office of the Public Defender, Washington County Office of the Public Defender, Allegany County Office of the Public Defender, Frederick County Office of the Public Defender, Calvert County Office of the Public Defender, Charles County Office of the Public Defender, Wicomico County Office of the Public Defender, Talbot County Office of the Public Defender, Somerset County Office of the Public Defender, St. Mary's County Office of the Public Defender, Queen Anne's County Office of the Public Defender, Prince George's County Office of the Public Defender, Montgomery County Office of the Public Defender, Howard County Office of the Public Defender, Caroline County Office of the Public Defender, Garrett County Office of the Public Defender, Worcester County
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Toll Free Number
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887-430-5187
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Fax Number
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410-221-2574
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Main
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410-221-2570
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Main Email Address
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chasity.simpson@maryland.gov
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Main Contact Name
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Michelle Moodispaw
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Main Contact Title
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Supervising Attorney
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Main Contact Phone
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410-221-2570
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Main Contact Email Address
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michelle.moodispaw@maryland.gov
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Director or Senior Administrator Name
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Chasity Simpson
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Director or Senior Administrator Title
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District Public Defender
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Director or Senior Administrator Phone
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410-221-2570
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Director or Senior Administrator Email Address
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chasity.simpson@maryland.gov
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Sites offering this Program
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310 Gay Street
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