Applying for a Public Defender Now
The Spokane County Public Defender's Office cannot represent anyone without first being appointed either by Spokane County Pre-Trial Services or by direct court appointment. Persons in custody will be seen by Pre-Trial Services to determine eligibility for appointment of counsel. Persons out of custody should follow the instructions below.
Applying for a Court Appointed Attorney
Applications for a Public Defender are taken at the Office of Pre-Trial Services. The process can be lengthy so we suggest that you contact the Children’s Waiting Room by calling 477-6815 to arrange for free childcare. The Children’s Waiting Room is located in the Broadway Centre Building at 1120 W Broadway (diagonally across from the Courthouse.)
You must apply in person - We encourage you to make application immediately after setting a court date. One of three determinations will be made at that time:
- Appoint a Public Defender without fee
- Appoint a Public Defender with a fee
- Deny appointment of Public Defender (In most instances you have a right to appeal a denial, information will be provided to you.)
Where: Office of Pre-Trial Services
Second Floor of Public Safety Building (Go up the stairs and turn right)
1100 West Mallon
Spokane, WA 99260
Phone: 477-3960 Extension 4
When: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Documentation Needed
You may be asked to provide documentation of the following items:
- Court Papers: (all papers listing court dates, charges, release conditions)
- Public Assistance Information
- Documentation of your status for assistance. Examples: AFDC Grant letter, Food Stamp Quest Card, Medical Coupon, Medicaid or SSI Grant letter.
- Income Information
- Current pay stubs
- Spouse’s current pay stubs (only if you are charged with a crime where your spouse is not the victim)
- For self employed - copy of last year’s income tax returns and income statements
- Unemployment compensation
- Documentation of any other income you receive that are reportable for federal tax purposes.
- Basic Living Costs Information
- Receipt for rent/mortgage
- Current utility bills
- Loan payments (Payments for car or truck/credit cards/consolidated debt/student loans etc)
- Health care payments
- Support payments or other court ordered obligations
- Child Care Costs
NOTE: You must appear in court on the next scheduled court date whether or not you have met with your Public Defender.