Public Defender's Office

509 Sassafras Street, Erie, PA 16507
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Erie County Public Defender's Office provides representation to very low income adults accused of breaking the law, accused of violating probation or parole, and when an attempt is being made to involuntarily confine an individual due to mental illness.

The Public Defender's Office also represents juveniles and young children involved in the juvenile justice system and/or "Office of Children and Youth" proceedings.

Application for Public Defender services must be made in person at 509 Sassafras Street.  Your eligibility for services will be based on your assets and income.  If you qualify according to the eligibility guidelines, you will be provided an attorney free of charge.

If an individual is in jail, the Public Defender's investigator regularly visits the Erie County Prison and takes applications from persons who are incarcerated.

The Public Defender's Office does not provide representation in cases involving only summary offenses or cases involving traffic offenses.  The exception is in situations where a Magisterial District Judge indicates that a penalty of incarceration is likely if a conviction results.