Kalamazoo Defender believes everyone deserves to know their rights when encountering Public Safety Officers. Click below for our helpful guide.
I am a client with Kalamazoo defender and have a bench warrant; what do I do?
Call Kalamazoo Defender to contact your attorney, paralegal, or Client Navigator (if applicable): (269) 250-5000.
The 8th District Court will allow people with outstanding warrants to appear at the Judge Charles Pratt Justice Center to address their warrants.
You must appear at 330 Eleanor St. and report to the District Court Clerk’s office any Tuesday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Do not appear the day after a court holiday.
If you have any questions, please contact the 8th District Court at (269) 384-8171.
HOW DO I GET A KALAMAZOO DEFENDER ATTORNEY?
At arraignment, the court will decide if you are eligible to have Kalamazoo Defender represent you in your court case based on financial considerations. Once you have been referred to our office, we will then appoint an attorney for you. Kalamazoo Defender can only represent you if found eligible by the court; we do not take cases for pay.
WHO IS MY ATTORNEY?
If the court finds you eligible, we will contact you within 3 business days to let you know who your attorney is. You can also call 269-250-5000 at any time and we will assist you. Once your attorney is assigned, you can find their photograph here, which may help if you are meeting them for the first time at the courthouse.
WHEN IS MY NEXT COURT DATE?
Whenever you appear before the judge, they will schedule your next court date. If you have been assigned an attorney with Kalamazoo Defender, we will mail a notice to the most recent address that we have on file for you. If you have not received a notice via mail, you are free to call our office at 269-250-5000.
HOW DO I GET TO THE KALAMAZOO DEFENDER OFFICE?
The Kalamazoo Defender office is located on the 2nd Floor of the Comerica Building: 151 S. Rose Street— across the street from the Michigan Avenue County Courthouse.
FREE PARKING is available on Rose Street, in front of the Greenleaf Trust building, as well as on South Street on the block between Rose and the Kalamazoo Mall. Click here for more information on where you can find parking options in downtown Kalamazoo.
All buses end at the Kalamazoo Transit Center terminal, 530 N. Rose Street in downtown Kalamazoo; from there it is a short three block walk to the south on Rose Street to the Kalamazoo Defender Office. Click here for bus route/schedule.
HOW DO I GET TO THE KALAMAZOO COUNTY COURTHOUSE?
Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center
330 Eleanor St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Map
The Justice Center has free parking spots at the Church St. Lot for employees and the general public with 24-hour surveillance.
What phone number do I use to reach the Court?
8th District Court: (269) 384-8171
9th Circuit Court: 269-383-8837
Problem-Solving Courts: 269-383-6468
Adult Drug Courts
Swift and Sure Sanctions Program
When is Court open?
Hours of Court Operations: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday, except for holidays. Court offices are open through the lunch hour.
IS KALAMAZOO DEFENDER PART OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY GOVERNMENT?
No. Kalamazoo Defender is an independent non-profit organization. We are not part of the Kalamazoo Court, Kalamazoo County, or Prosecutors Office. Kalamazoo Defender operates under a contract with the Kalamazoo County Government.
CAN I SPEAK WITH A PUBLIC DEFENDER EVEN THOUGH I ALREADY HAVE AN ATTORNEY?
No. Once you are represented by an attorney, our office cannot advise you.
WHAT DO I DO IF THERE IS A WARRANT FOR MY ARREST?
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE AN ATTORNEY: Let them know immediately if you believe you have a new warrant.
HOW DO I PAY BAIL?
If you have a money bond, you can talk with your attorney about reducing or eliminating bond. Local aid organizations may be able to assistance you, or you can try to make financial arrangements with family to pay your bond. You may also employ a bail-bond company.
Cash bonds paid with the Sheriff's Office are processed through the Canteen kiosk (gray and chrome kiosk). Kiosks are in the lobby of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, 1500 Lamont St, Kalamazoo which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A $10.00 cash only processing fee will be collected for anyone posting bond on a warrant arrest, post arraignment, or surety bonds.
WHAT DOES “HOLISTIC” DEFENSE MEAN?
Kalamazoo Defender recognizes many that there are many issues that compound our client’s problems within the criminal justice system and can even play a role in clients getting caught up in that system. That is why we employ licensed social workers that work for your attorney and not the court / government, who are able to bring local services to the client. Poverty, homelessness, mental health, and other challenges can complicate your legal case; addressing them early in that case can improve your outcomes at court.
HOW CAN I HELP MY FAMILY MEMBER / FRIEND'S COURT CASE?
We offer a Participatory Defense Hub in our office space where we have trained professionals to support our clients and clients’ families. Participatory Defense is a community organizing model for people facing charges, as well as their families and communities. To learn more about Participatory Defense click here.
ARE YOU HIRING?
Yes. A list of our current job postings can be viewed here. We encourage interested and qualified applicants to apply.
CAN I GET SOMEONE FROM KALAMAZOO DEFENDER TO SPEAK TO MY ORGANIZATION OR SCHOOL?
Yes, Kalamazoo Defender is eager to engage with our community. You can contact us at 269-250-5000 or email us at info@kalamazoodefender.org.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
Please click here Contact Form.