How to Apply

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an intake appointment with an attorney from the Public Defender’s Office, call 610-344-6940, M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm. Applicants are required to provide financial documentation to support their application for free representation. You must bring as many of the documents from the list as possible, as well as other relevant items.

Walk-In Appointments

Beginning August 24, 2022, our office will be accepting a limited number of unscheduled walk-in appointments during the following hours:

• Wednesday mornings -   8:45 am-11:30 am (last appointment 11:30)
• Wednesday afternoons - 1:00 pm-3:30 pm  (last appointment 3:30)

You must apply at least 48 hours before your scheduled court/hearing date. Applicants are required to provide financial documentation to support their application for free representation. You must bring as many of the documents from the list as possible, as well as other relevant items.

The Public Defenders office is located at the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W. Market Street, West Chester.

What happens at the appointment?

• You will meet with an intake investigator who will determine if you financially qualify for an attorney.
• The intake investigators will take information about you and your case.All information you provide to the intake investigator will be kept confidential by the Public Defender’s Office.

If your court date is scheduled before your intake appointment, you must contact the court and let them know that you have an intake appointment scheduled, and request a continuance.