Get a Public Defense Attorney

Learn how to request a public defense attorney and find out if you qualify.

Financial Interviews

If you have been charged with a crime or are facing another legal issue, you may qualify for a public defense attorney. Contact us for a financial interview, also called a screening at 360-000-0000 Monday to Friday from 8 amto 4:30 pm. No appointments necessary.

Who is my public defender?

Need to find out which public defender was assigned to your case?

If you do not know who your public defender is contact the Department of Public Defense; publicdefense@graysharbor.us or 360-964-1591, during regular business hours. 

Since the identity of the public defender assigned to your case is confidential information (because it reveals that your economic eligibility if you have a case pending in our office) please be prepared to provide your case number and other personal information to confirm your identity.  Information about public defender assignments will not be provided without identity confirmation and also will not be given to other people who call or contact our office on your behalf.

Please do note that it takes at least 48 hours before information about your public defender assignment is entered into the computer, if you were appointed a public defender in the courtroom.

How to Check Eligibility

Call the Grays Harbor County Department of Public Defense (DPD) Screening Line

360-555555555

Hours M-F 

No appointment needed

Email: 

a screener will contact you

The screener will ask about your financial situation and may request documentation (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns). They cannot give legal advice but will determine if you qualify.

In Washington, you may qualify for a public defense attorney if you are indigent (per RCW 10.101.020 meaning you cannot afford to hire an attorney, or if you are not indigent but cannot afford a private attorney and meet certain criteria.

Possible Outcome of Screening

  • Indigent: You cannot afford an attorney — assigned to a public defense division.
  • Able to contribute: You are not indigent but cannot afford a private attorney — assigned to public defense and required to sign a promissory note to pay fees over up to 12 months.
  • Not indigent: You must hire your own attorney.

Next Steps

If assigned to public defense:

  • Call your assigned attorney within 4 business days to confirm their name and contact info.

  • You can look them up in the Grays Harbor County online directory or call 360- for help.