What Are The Guidelines For Determining Eligibility
What are the Guidelines for Determining Eligibility
Determining eligibility for a Public Defender lawyer is based on net income and assets. All applications are done in person with a Client Service Agent. Each District Office operates under different hours, and depending on the office the individual wishes to apply, determines the times applications will be processed (office hours). The Public Defender Department uses Federal Poverty Guidelines to calculate eligibility. The department considers an individual’s net take home pay and the number of dependants in the household as the key factors in determining eligibility. The LOPD no longer offers Contracts as a means of representation.
If it is determined that an individual is not eligible for a lawyer based on income, clients are advised to seek representation from a private attorney or seek assistance from the NM State Bar.