Isabella County was required to submit a plan to the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to address new standards in place regarding public defense for indigent clients in Michigan. Each county must adhere to these standards, and in order to do so, Isabella County created a new department to ensure this happens efficiently and effectively.
Currently, there is grant funding in place for the cost of operations from the State of Michigan.
The Public Defender Office will be a County department and Thomas Joseph Hausmann has been named the County Public Defender and will oversee the day-to-day operations for the office. The office will report directly to Margaret McAvoy, the County Administrator/Controller.
The Public Defender’s office will handle criminal cases, high court misdemeanors, and parole violations.
Currently, the temporary office is located at the Isabella County Commission on Aging but will relocate to a permanent office space at 2885 Health Parkway after renovations are completed.
You can contact our office by phone – (989) 317-8053, fax – (989) 317-8054, or mail:
Isabella County Public Defender’s Office
2885 Health Parkway
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
You can ask for a court appointed attorney at any time during your case if you qualify for one.
You should only speak with your attorney about your case while it is active.
- Do not speak to anyone, including the police, about your case except your attorney.
- Stay in touch with your appointed attorney. If your phone number or address should change, notify the office as soon as possible.
- Keep track of your court dates and times and arrive 30 minutes prior unless otherwise instructed by your attorney.
- Dress professionally for all court dates.
- Bring all case related documents and information to all court dates and appointments.
- Do not post anything on social media regarding your case and maintain a professional outward appearance online and in public at all times during the course of your case.
Once you have been approved for representation, you will receive notice by mail with your attorney’s information. If you are not incarcerated, please contact our office at (989) 317-8053 to schedule an appointment to meet with your attorney. If you are incarcerated, your appointed attorney will meet with you at the jail within 72 hours of appointment.
A retained attorney is an attorney who is paid directly by someone who needs legal representation for their services. An appointed attorney is an attorney who is provided to those who need legal representation and cannot afford to hire an attorney.
There are steps that can be taken if you are unsatisfied with your appointed attorney. The first step is to discuss your concerns directly with your appointed attorney. If you are still unsatisfied, you may submit your complaint in writing to the Public Defender’s office for further review.
Yes. Court appointed attorneys are licensed to practice law, and in most cases have extensive experience in private practice as retained attorneys.