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Public defender office issues Spanish-language notice on clients' rights
Summary
A public defender called Zacman delivered a Spanish-language announcement reminding clients of the right to counsel, confidentiality rules, and an office app that sends court-date reminders; the message urged clients to keep contact information current.
Zacman of the public defender office delivered a Spanish-language announcement reminding people accused of crimes that they have a constitutional right to an attorney and that the office's role is to represent and protect clients in court. He said the office assists with both misdemeanors and felonies, explained that communications with an assigned attorney are confidential, and encouraged clients to keep their contact information up to date so the office can reach them.
Zacman described services the office provides, including explaining charges, investigating allegations, discussing options, negotiating plea agreements when appropriate and representing clients at hearings. He advised that courtroom settings are not private and that attorneys may request continuances to confer privately with clients. He also noted the office has a phone application that sends text reminders about upcoming court dates and allows clients to communicate directly with the office. He emphasized that text reminders do not replace official court orders and reiterated that clients should speak with their assigned lawyer if they have questions.
