Public Defender

**OUR OFFICE LOCATED IN CITY HALL IS OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.  MASKS ARE OPTIONAL.  WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE**

The Public Defender’s Office was established by the City of Anacortes to protect and defend the rights of individuals charged with non-felony offenses within city limits who are unable to afford a private attorney.

Mission

It is the mission of the Public Defender’s Office to provide professional, effective, and quality legal representation consistent with the guidelines established by the Washington State Supreme Court.

Responsibilities

The Anacortes Public Defender’s Office handles misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal matters and does not handle civil matters associated with these criminal matters, such as Department of Licensing Administrative Hearings and traffic infractions.

Qualifying 

In order to qualify for the Public Defender, you must be referred by the court and have a financial screening completed. The Office of Assigned Counsel is available on court days at 1:30 p.m. or by appointment only.  The Public Defender cannot appear on your behalf without prior screening. Upon qualifying, you can immediately meet with someone from the Public Defender’s Office.
Please contact the Anacortes Municipal Court Clerk at 360-293-1913 for more information.

Court Date