Public defenders only represent people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Contact any of the 21 trial offices for assistance in applying.
STEP 1: Fill out a Public Defender Application
If you are out of jail, fill out the Application for State Paid Professional completely. If you are under eighteen years of age, your parents, guardians or legal custodian must complete the Application for Public Defender in a Juvenile Delinquency Case.
Application:
- Application for an adult accused (Solicitud para un hombre o una mujer acusados)
- Application for a youth accused (Solicitud de niño o niña acusado)
Using a smartphone to complete the application?
- Learn more here
If you are in jail, you automatically qualify for our services. Learn more about the first 48 hours after arrest.
STEP 2: Collect Proof of Income and Other Documentation
Proof of your or, where under 18, your parental/guardian/custodian income must be provided which may include:
- Pay stubs
- Income tax returns
- Letters from employers
- Award letters from SSI or unemployment
Supporting Documentation:
You may need information about the finances of other members of your household. Household income includes any family member living in the household who is working and contributing to the common support of the household. It does not include a roommate’s income unless you have access to and proprietary rights in your roommate’s income. Please refer to the Applications for Public Defender in Adult and Juvenile cases for more information regarding the required financial documentation or contact any public defender office.
STEP 3: Bring or Send to Any Public Defender Office
You can turn the application in at any of our 21 trial offices across the state regardless of where you are charged. Contact the closest office to you to get further instructions about whether you need to visit in-person or can send it in another way.