Public Defender's Office

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. Defendants may be required to reimburse the county for a portion of the cost of their defense pursuant to Rule 18 of the Illinois 14^th Judicial Circuit.