THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE

If you are charged with a criminal offense and cannot afford an attorney to represent you, the Public Defender's Office is available to provide representation free of charge. In criminal matters, you have a constitutional right to representation by counsel which cannot be limited by the fact that you cannot afford to hire your own private attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, you should go to the Public Defender's Office and fill out an application which will concern your assets and income. Also, any papers that you may have pertaining to your charge, such as criminal complaints or warrants, must be brought to the office when you apply. Your eligibility will then be reviewed, and if you are eligible for the Public Defender's services, you will be provided an attorney free of charge. If you are in jail, the Public Defender's investigator regularly visits the Erie County Prison and takes applications from persons who are incarcerated.

If you need an attorney and don't have one, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help.

Call Us Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - Noon and 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM at (814) 459-4411.

While the Public Defender's Office handles criminal cases, they do not provide representation in cases involving only summary offenses or cases involving traffic offenses. The exception is in situations where the Magisterial District Judge concerned indicates that a penalty of incarceration is likely if a conviction results.

The Public Defender's Office also represents young people at their hearings before the Juvenile Court when charged with delinquent acts. They also represent children involved in dependency proceedings. In addition, they represent individuals facing involuntary mental health commitments. The attorneys employed by the Public Defender's Office are knowledgeable in criminal law and in related fields and strive to provide the best possible representation. The Public Defender's Office is independent of the District Attorney's Office and of the Courts and, while publicly funded, represents the interests of its clients with the same legal and ethical standards that govern the legal profession generally. Your relationship with the Public Defender's Office and any of its attorneys should be the same as your relationship with any other attorney. The only difference is that if you qualify, you will not owe any legal fees.

The Public Defender's Office is located at 509 Sassafras Street in Erie. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can telephone the Public Defender's Office at 451-6322.

If you need an attorney and don't have one, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help.

Call Us Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - Noon and 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
at (814) 459-4411.