Public Defender's Office
PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE COVID-19 PHASE II RE-OPENING TO THE PUBLIC
PD RESPONSE TO COVID-19
The Public Defender’s office is open. We are seeing clients by appointment only. Appointments should be scheduled through your assigned Public Defender. The best way to reach your assigned Public Defender is through email. Email addresses can be found at https://www.washoecounty.us/defender/public-defender-home/contact-numbers.php. You may also leave a message at (775) 337-4800 and your message will be forwarded to your assigned attorney to return your call.
If you have a scheduled appointment at our office, you will be required to have your temperature checked prior to going through security and to wear a face covering the entire time you are in the building. You may use your own face covering or one will be provided to you. You will be asked relevant health screening questions. You also will be required to wash and/or sanitize your hands after passing through security and before proceeding to the elevator. If you do not pass screening, you will not be allowed in the building. Please do not bring anyone with you to your appointment, unless you have made prior arrangements with the attorney or investigator you are meeting.
All court hearings are currently being held remotely via Zoom unless you are notified that your attendance is required at the courthouse. Please visit www.zoom.com to setup a Zoom account. If you do not have access to Zoom via your smartphone, computer or tablet, contact your attorney immediately to make arrangements for you to attend your hearing.
WHEN PARTICIPATING IN A ZOOM HEARING:
Please keep in mind that everyone can see what you are doing. Act as if you are in court, including how you dress and behave.
- Think about your location and find a quiet private location with minimal distractions and to maintain confidentiality.
- Try to setup your camera in a steady place about arms-length away where it can capture your headshot.
- Log on a few minutes before the hearing, so you can test your video and sound quality.
- If the hearing before yours is running late, you might sit in a “waiting room” where the screen says “waiting for host to let you in” don’t worry- you are in the right place!
Court specific details can be found at:
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. These health precautions are necessary to ensure the safety of our clients, staff and the community.