You may obtain an application for assignment of public defender at the court office during regular business hours or you may submit your application form here. Once the application has been reviewed, you will be advised of the name and phone number of the public defender assigned to represent you. At that time, you will also be advised if recoupment is ordered. Typically recoupment is paid at the time of sentencing and is not required to be paid in advance.

Acceptance of eligibility is contingent upon the furnishing of reliable and accurate financial data including a copy of your last tax return, paycheck stubs, bank statement, or proof of welfare or SSI if requested.

The Public Defender is not an employee of the court and is under the direction of the Executive branch of the City government. Any and all correspondence for the public defender must be filed with Stewart MacNichols Harmell, Inc., at the address listed above. The Court will not receive correspondence for the Public Defender‘s office.