A Defendant is not eligible for a Jury Trial under the following circumstances:

1. When the State Attorney’s Office is not seeking an adjudicatory sentence.
2.  The State Attorney’s Office is not seeking a jail sentence.
3. Less than 6 months exposure.

People that earn incomes of up to twice the federal poverty standard may qualify for a Public Defender.

Also, people who cannot afford a private attorney without significant detriments to the family.

The Court will not assign a Public Defender if the State Attorney’s Office is not seeking a jail sentence.

Yes. While a Defendant can request to waive a jury trial,  the State must agree.

A Defendant can request a jury trial waiver under the following conditions:

1. The State and Defense must agree to the waiver.
2. The Defendant must agree to the waiver in writing.
3. In Court, the Defendant can request a waiver orally. The Judge must find that the Defendant understands they are giving up this right. And, is voluntarily waiving their right to have their case heard by a jury of their peers.

If both sides do not agree to the waiver request, the trial will go to the jury.