Public Defenders are appointed to represent criminal defendants who cannot afford an attorney on felony criminal cases. The Kansas Holistic Defenders are appointed to represent criminal defendants who cannot afford an attorney on misdemeanor criminal cases. Sometimes other attorneys are appointed to represent criminal defendants who cannot afford an attorney. If you are a criminal defendant and cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney for you at your first court appearance. You will be provided contact information for your appointed attorney at your first appearance and can contact your attorney once they have been appointed.