Financial Qualification

The Public Defender’s Office represents people charged with a crime who are indigent and cannot afford an attorney. For this reason, we must determine your financial eligibility for representation by our office. 
 
When you come for an intake application appointment, you must bring the criminal complaint/affidavit of probable cause documents received from the court. Additionally, you should bring all of the available documents from the list below that applies to you. Failure to provide the appropriate documentation may lead to rescheduling of your appointment.

If you are employed, bring copies of the following

• All W-2's and/or 1099 forms received last year
• Federal income tax return from last year
• Three of your most recent pay stubs
• Most recent monthly bank statement(s)
• Proof of all monthly bills and expenses (rent/mortgage, medical bills, car payment, electric, etc.)

If you are not unemployed, bring copies of the following

• Proof of current alternative income/benefits such as: Public Assistance, Social Security, Unemployment, Workman’s Compensation, etc.
• Last year’s W-2 and/or 1099 forms
• Last year’s Federal Income Tax Return
• If applicable, spouse’s (boyfriend/girlfriend if living together) federal income tax return
• Most recent monthly bank statement(s)
• Termination notice from prior employer
• Proof of all monthly bills and expenses (rent/mortgage, medical bills, car payment, electric, etc.)

If you are a school student, or claimed as a dependent on another individual’s federal income tax return, you will be required to provide a copy of their most recent federal income tax return.