Client Services Program

Committed to Helping Those Who Can't Always Help Themselves
The Office of the Public Defender of the 19th Judicial Circuit created a Client Services Program in 1999 to address the growing needs of offenders. Clients charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense and have a substance abuse problem, mental health issue, developmental disability, or who are in need of life skill training- such as job training, learning to read, or anger management - may be eligible for services. Additionally, Client Services assists attorneys with placement for the chronically mentally ill or developmentally disabled, and develops mitigation memorandums for juveniles charged in adult court. Client Services works closely with community agencies to help each client gain the support needed to remain crime-free.

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Client Services works with our attorneys to advocate for our clients, especially those that may not be able to advocate for themselves. In any case, Client Services can: 
Communicate with client's family and care givers regarding case status and client's conditions when requested by client.  

Develop written sentencing memorandums which are presented to the Court in appropriate cases.  

Advocate at sentencing hearings and during plea negotiations.

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Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
Screen and identify cases involving serious and persistent mental health disorders and developmental disabilities issues, which may involve competence to proceed or sanity.

Prepare appropriate motions and orders related to the appointment of experts, Incompetence, and Insanity.

Gather records in order to facilitate full and appropriate expert evaluations.

Cooperate with the State Attorney's Office to dispose of Mental Health and Developmental Disability cases non-judicially.

Act as a liaison between the Department of Children and Families and the criminal court system.

Continue to monitor clients who are committed to State Hospital or placed on conditional release, and act as a liaison between Courts and treatment providers.

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SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Upon referral from our Attorney or the Court, screen client for substance abuse issues, desire for treatment, and other needs.

Advise our Attorneys and Courts of programs available and eligibility.

Assist clients in securing interviews and completing applications for acceptance to a treatment program.

Direct-Filed Juveniles
Interview all juveniles with adult felony charges who are represented by the Public Defender's Office to determine if they may be eligible for juvenile sanctions or another alternative sentencing option.

Screen and identify the child's needs, i.e. mental health, developmental disability, or substance abuse.

Appoint the appropriate experts, if needed.

Gather relevant records to assist our Attorneys in their case development.

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