Cases Public Defense supports

Adult misdemeanors

In King County and certain cities

These are adult criminal cases filed in King County District Court for alleged crimes occurring in unincorporated King County. Sentences vary but can be no more than a year in the county jail. The cases are prosecuted by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. We also provide screening for misdemeanor cases for Shoreline Municipal Court, Kenmore Municipal Court, and Redmond Municipal Court. (We then assign cases to contracted agencies.)

What to do if you have been charged with a misdemeanor

If you are out of jail

Call us at 206-477-9727 to see if you qualify for a public defender. An attorney will represent you at your first appearance. If you qualify for a public defender, you will be assigned to one of our divisions at your arraignment.

If you are in jail

Call us at 206-296-7662 (this is a free call from the jail) and provide the receptionist with your case information. A DPD screener will review your case and if you qualify, assign you to 1 of our divisions. You can also wait until your arraignment and call a DPD screener then. In either case, there will be an attorney available to represent you at your arraignment.

In Seattle

These are adult criminal cases filed in Seattle Municipal Court for alleged crimes occurring in the City of Seattle. Sentences vary but can be no more than a year in the county jail. The cases are prosecuted by the Seattle City Attorney’s Office.

Learn more by calling 206-286-1543. If you qualify for a public defender, you’ll be assigned to a division at DPD.

Adult misdemeanor appeals

These are appeals to misdemeanor cases filed in King County Superior Court. If you would like to file an appeal to your misdemeanor, you need to ask your attorney to do so at the end of your case. There is a time limit for filing an appeal.

Once the appeal has been filed, you need to screen to see if you qualify for a public defender. Call us at 206-296-7662 to screen over the phone. If you qualify for a public defender, an attorney will be assigned to you. 

Dependency (family separation)

DPD represents parents and other legal guardians when the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is trying to take away your children due to allegations of neglect or harm. If the state removes your child, you have a right to a hearing within 72 hours (not including weekends.) DPD will appoint a different attorney to each parent or guardian, if necessary. Children over the age of 12 may also be eligible to receive their own attorney. Cases are prosecuted by the state Attorney General’s office.

If you are involved in a dependency action

Call us at 206-477-9727 to see if you qualify for a public defender. If you qualify for a public defender, an attorney will be appointed to you. There will be an attorney to represent you at your initial hearing. Learn more about the process by watching this video: What to do if your child is removed by CPS.

Involuntary commitment

DPD represents people committed to a mental health facility against their will for either mental health or substance abuse disorders. DPD automatically provides representation on these cases. 

Youth offender

These are criminal cases filed in King County Superior Court against youth under 18 for alleged crimes committed anywhere within King County, including Seattle. Cases are prosecuted by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

If you have been charged with a juvenile offender crime

You will automatically be assigned an attorney. They will be present at your first hearing. Your parents or guardian are responsible for helping to pay for the attorney if they can afford to do so. DPD will send a letter to your parents or guardian requesting financial information to determine if they are able to pay.

Becca

DPD appoints attorneys to children involved in Becca cases.

There are 3 types of Becca cases:

• At-Risk Youth
  • Cases when a parent files a petition with juvenile court to get help in the care and control of a child.
• Child in Need of Services (CHINS)
  • Cases when a child, parent or DSHS representative files a petition to remove the child from the home of their parent. A serious conflict must exist between the parent and reasonable efforts must have been made to fix the situation.
• Truancy
  • If a student has seven or more unexcused absences a month from school, the school must file a petition in juvenile court. If the student continues to be absent from school, they may be found in contempt. DPD will appoint an attorney to the child if they are found to be in contempt.

If you are involved in a Becca case

An attorney will automatically be appointed to the child. This attorney will be there to represent the child at their initial hearing. Parents involved in CHINS cases may receive a public defender. If you are a parent and would like representation from a public defender, you must have a financial interview to see if you qualify.

Call us at 206-477-9727 to see if you qualify for a public defender.