Public Defender Appointment

You have the right to a court-appointed attorney if you are indigent and cannot afford to hire an attorney without substantial hardship to you or your family.

You will have to complete the application process to determine if you qualify for a Public Defender under state guidelines. Applications are confidential and do not become part of the public record. A recoupment of Public Defender costs may be imposed upon conviction.

You can be screened at any time for the appointment of a public defender by coming to the front counter during the court's operating hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you have not screened prior to your arraignment, you will be screened sometime during the arraignment calendar which occurs every Thursday morning.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING WITH YOU:

• Auburn Municipal Court Case Number
• Court Date(s)
• Charge(s)
• Verification of income (pay stub)
• Proof of child support (court document, check receipts, etc.)
• Tax return for the previous year

The screener will determine if you qualify for a court appointed lawyer pursuant to state and federal guidelines.

If you do not qualify for court-appointed attorney you may chose to privately hire an attorney to represent you for this matter. Court staff by law cannot give legal advice or refer you to any attorney. If you need assistance locating an attorney please contact the Washington Bar Referral.