Public Defender

Welcome

The Office of the Public Defender provides quality legal representation for defendants in criminal, juvenile and mental health matters, who can not afford an attorney or who, pursuant to the Illinois State Constitution, are entitled to legal representation.  The Public Defender does not represent individuals in civil matters, other than mental health matters, and does not represent individuals involved in child support or contempt cases.  The Public Defender is not a "free attorney."  Convicted defendants, who are found able to do so, are required to pay a fee to the Public Defender, pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 18.  These monies are referred to as Rule 18 Fees.

Records on file with the Public Defender are copies of documents already contained in a defendant's criminal or juvenile file or are privileged by the attorney-client relationship.  Adult criminal files are available for inspection through the Office of the Circuit Clerk.  Juvenile files are closed to the general public.