Q: My teenaged daughter took my car and hit another car. The woman is now suing us. Can I get a public defender?

A: You do not indicate if you are being sued civilly or criminally. You may qualify for a public defender for a criminal matter but not a civil matter. If it is a civil matter, just turn the papers over to your insurance company which should provide you with counsel. If criminal, ask the court for a public defender, and see if you qualify

A: Public defenders are only offered in municipal court or criminal court if you meet the indigent guidelines.

A: I hope she and everyone else involved in the accident are okay. No, public defender is for criminal matters. You notify your insurance carrier and provide them with copies of any papers mailed to or served upon your daughter or you (as the vehicle owner). Your insurance carrier should handle the claim and assign a defense attorney to the matter if it is in suit. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

A: If it's a claim, turn it over to your insurance company. Do not ignore it. Your insurance will provide an attorney--that's what they do. Public defenders are for criminal cases, which are brought by the DA's office (though if it is a ticket, that case is often filed by the responding officer on behalf of the state or county).

A: Contact your insurance carrier to provide any and all paperwork regarding the claim for them to investigate further. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, representation will be provided through the insurance company.

A: Public defenders are court appointed lawyers in criminal cases.

Since you state that both of you are being sued, turn the matter over to your insurance company and they will assign counsel to defend you. If you were uninsured, you will need to hire an attorney at your own expense to defend you,