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      Cases We Handle

      The Public Defender's Office represents people charged with some types of misdemeanor criminal cases in the Phoenix Municipal Court. A person accused of committing a criminal offense is entitled to have an attorney represent them; however, a person is not always entitled free representation. You can always hire an attorney to represent yourself, but you need to qualify for free (or reduced cost) legal representation.  In very general terms, if you are facing possible jail time and cannot afford to hire an attorney, the judge will appoint an attorney to represent you.  Here is how you can qualify for free (or reduced cost) representation Phoenix Municipal Court:

      • You are being charged with a misdemeanor offense, and
      • You are facing possible jail time as a sentence, or
      • It is in the interests of justice for the court to appoint an attorney to represent you.

      Eligibility Screening

      Our front office staff meets with clients to fill out a financial application to determine if they qualify for free or reduced rate representation. 

      Appointment of Public Defender Attorney

      For those clients who qualify, the front office will assign a private attorney who contracts with the Office of the Public Defender to represent the client in court. Clients will be provided their attorney’s name and contact information.