Are public defenders “real lawyers”?
Yes! Public defenders are just as “real” as private criminal defense lawyers and civil lawyers. All the attorneys of the Whatcom County Public Defender’s Office have graduated from college and law school and have met the same Washington State Bar Association requirements to practice law in the courts of this state.

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1. Are public defenders “real lawyers”?
2. Since you’re paid by the government the same as prosecutors, aren’t you just working together?
3. Can I call or drop by the Whatcom County Public Defender Office for some quick legal advice?
4. What is an arraignment?
5. What is a status or omnibus hearing?
6. What happens in a trial?
7. What happens in a sentencing hearing?
8. What is a bench warrant, and what can I do if I have one?
9. Why hasn’t my public defender gotten my case dropped?
10. If I have a problem with my court-appointed lawyer, how do I complain?
11. What can I do to help out my case?
12. How do I get my record vacated/sealed?