HOW DO I GET A KALAMAZOO DEFENDER ATTORNEY?
At arraignment, the court will decide if you are eligible to have Kalamazoo Defender represent you in your court case based on financial considerations. Once you have been referred to our office, we will then appoint an attorney for you. Kalamazoo Defender can only represent you if found eligible by the court; we do not take cases for pay.

WHO IS MY ATTORNEY?
If the court finds you eligible, we will contact you within 48 hours to let you know who your attorney is. You can also call 269-250-5000 at any time and we will assist you.
Once your attorney is assigned, you can find their photograph here, which may help if you are meeting them for the first time at the courthouse.

HOW DO I GET TO THE KALAMAZOO DEFENDER OFFICE?
The Kalamazoo Defender office is located on the 2nd Floor of the Comerica Building: 151 S. Rose Street— across the street from the Michigan Avenue County Courthouse.

FREE PARKING is available on Rose Street, in front of the Greenleaf Trust building, as well as on South Street on the block between Rose and the Kalamazoo Mall. Click here for more information on where you can find parking options in downtown Kalamazoo.

All buses end at the Kalamazoo Transit Center terminal, 530 N. Rose Street in downtown Kalamazoo; from there it is a short three block walk to the south on Rose Street to the Kalamazoo Defender Office. Click here for bus route/schedule.

WHEN IS MY NEXT COURT DATE?
Whenever you appear before the judge, they will schedule your next court date. If you have been assigned an attorney with Kalamazoo Defender, we will mail a notice to the most recent address that we have on file for you. If you have not received a notice via mail, you are free to call our office at 269-250-5000.

IS KALAMAZOO DEFENDER PART OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY GOVERNMENT?

No. Kalamazoo Defender is an independent non-profit organization. We are not part of the Kalamazoo Court, Kalamazoo County, or Prosecutors Office. Kalamazoo Defender operates under a contract with the Kalamazoo County Government.

CAN I SPEAK WITH A PUBLIC DEFENDER EVEN THOUGH I ALREADY HAVE AN ATTORNEY?
No. Once you are represented by an attorney, our office cannot advise you.

WHAT DO I DO IF THERE IS A WARRANT FOR MY ARREST?
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE AN ATTORNEY:  Let them know immediately if you believe you have a new warrant.  IF YOU DO NOT (or even if you do), you can check your case on the 8th District Court website, which will show some warrants. 

COVID Concerns:  Because of the COVID pandemic, you cannot currently turn yourself in at the Michigan Avenue Courthouse.   Also, the jail is not allowing anyone to turn themselves on any warrants unless the charge is considered assaultive or violent.   The 8th District Court will soon permit those with misdemeanor warrants to schedule a Court arraignment through a remote /virtual site.   

AT ARRAIGNMENT: you will have the opportunity to talk with an attorney from Kalamazoo Defender about your options in a criminal case. The purpose of the arraignment is to announce the charge and maximum possible punishment to the accused; set a bond / bail amount (if any); and set a date for the next court proceeding—usually a Pretrial (misdemeanor) or Pre-Exam Conference (felony). 

HOW DO I PAY BAIL?
If you have a money bond, you can talk with your attorney about reducing or eliminating bond. Local aid organizations may be able to assistance you, or you can try to make financial arrangements with family to pay your bond.  You may also employ a bail-bond company.

Cash bonds paid with the Sheriff's Office are processed through the Canteen kiosk (gray and chrome kiosk). Kiosks are in the lobby of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, 1500 Lamont St, Kalamazoo which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A $10.00 cash only processing fee will be collected for anyone posting bond on a warrant arrest, post arraignment, or surety bonds.

WHAT DOES “HOLISTIC” DEFENSE MEAN?
Kalamazoo Defender recognizes many that there are many issues that compound our client’s problems within the criminal justice system and can even play a role in clients getting caught up in that system. That is why we employ licensed social workers that work for your attorney and not the court / government, who are able to bring local services to the client.  Poverty, homelessness, mental health, and other challenges can complicate your legal case; addressing them early in that case can improve your outcomes at court.

HOW CAN I HELP MY FAMILY MEMBER / FRIEND'S COURT CASE?
We offer a Participatory Defense Hub in our office space where we have trained professionals to support our clients and clients’ families. Participatory Defense is a community organizing model for people facing charges, as well as their families and communities. To learn more about Participatory Defense click here.

ARE YOU HIRING?
Yes. A list of our current job postings can be viewed here. We encourage interested and qualified applicants to apply. 

CAN I GET SOMEONE FROM KALAMAZOO DEFENDER TO SPEAK TO MY ORGANIZATION OR SCHOOL?
Yes, Kalamazoo Defender is eager to engage with our community. You can contact us at 269-250-5000 or email us at info@kalamazoodefender.org.

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
Please click here Contact Form.