A Client’s Guide to Working with an Attorney

If you are charged with a crime for which you may be sent to jail, you have the right to have an attorney represent you. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, you may request that the Court appoint an attorney to represent you. You will be interviewed to determine your financial eligibility. If you meet the criteria, you will be assigned an attorney unless the judge or prosecutor decides jail time will not be part of the sentence if you are convicted. You will not have to pay for this attorney if the judge finds that you are not guilty.

A court appointed attorney is a competent attorney, licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He or she will provide you with the same kind of legal advice and service they would provide to any other client charged with the same crime, under the same circumstances. In Fairfax County, a court appointed attorney could be either a Public Defender or a private attorney who accepts court appointments. 

You will receive an email with your attorney assignment within 2 business days. If you are currently in custody, you will receive your attorney assignment by mail at the Adult Detention Center.

Contact Information:

• If you are assigned a Public Defender, contact the Public Defender’s Office at 703-934-5600 to find out which Public Defender will handle your case.
• If you are assigned a private attorney, you will be provided with the attorney's name and phone number.

It is your responsibility to contact your attorney and maintain communication.  Learn more about how to work with your court appointed attorney.

Fees and Costs

There are costs associated with your defense, including attorney fees and court costs:

• If you are found not guilty, all court-appointed attorney fees will be paid by the Commonwealth of Virginia or Fairfax County.
• If you are found guilty, or if your case is deferred for dismissal at a later date, court costs and attorney fees will be added to any fines assessed by the judge. These costs cannot be waived or suspended by the judge.
• Payment: Court costs are due to the Court within 90 days of conviction. If you need additional time to pay, you may make arrangements with the Clerk’s Office.
• Each level of court has a different fee schedule, which your attorney will explain to you.

How to File a Complaint

Court-appointed attorneys are assigned on a rotating basis; you cannot select your appointed attorney. However, if you have a legitimate concern regarding your assigned attorney, such as failure to meet with you, you may file a written complaint and email it to GDCCourtAppointed@fairfaxcounty.gov.

When filing your complaint, please include:

• Your name
• Daytime phone number
• Court date
• Case number
• Attorney’s name
• A brief explanation of the issue

You will be contacted after the judge has had an opportunity to review your complaint.

Note: This page is not intended to provide legal advice but is meant to help you understand your relationship with your court-appointed attorney.

Reasonable ADA Accommodations

For ADA accommodations, please contact the Fairfax County General District Court by emailing GDCMail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Contact Information

For any questions or assistance, please contact the Court Operations Division at GDCCourtAppointed@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Information for attorneys: If you are an attorney, click here for more information about the Court Appointed Attorney program