Continuances

The public defender or court appointed attorneys are provided when the Defendant meets the criteria for indigency or extreme hardship.  The Court appoints the attorney and the court "fires" the attorney.  You do not have the right to "fire" the attorney, but you can ask the court to appoint another attorney.  The judge is the person to "hire" and "fire" the attorney.  However, you can always hire an attorney, and that hiring will supercede the court appointed attorney. The judge is also the person to grant a continuance.  If the "firing" creates a delay, the court may not necessarily agree to the continuance depending upon certain factors such as whether the right to a speedy trial has been waived. You should discuss this issue with your attorney prior to taking action that you might regret.