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Franklin County Government - Public Defender

14 North Main Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201

Eligibility

Eligibility for public defender services in Franklin County is determined by the Public Defender’s Office and is based on federal poverty guidelines. Income, family financial responsibilities, and the nature of the charges are all considered. Eligibility is presumed for individuals who are incarcerated and for all juvenile delinquency proceedings.

Hours

Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm Closed weekends and all county-observed holidays
https://www.franklincountypa.gov/departments/public-defender/

Application process

Individuals should call the public defender's office to schedule an appointment with a paralegal to fill out an application for representation by a public defender, or make a request through the jail.

Fees

Services free of charge

Service area

Franklin, PA

Description

Provides legal counsel/representation to any person who, for lack of sufficient funds, is unable to obtain legal counsel in any situation where representation is constitutionally guaranteed. In general, a person is entitled to legal counsel whenever that individual's personal liberty is at stake. This would include capital crimes, misdemeanor and felony offenses, and summary offenses that carry a mandatory sentence of incarceration.

Providing organization

Franklin County Government

Franklin County is governed by a board of three county commissioners elected every four years by the citizens who live here. The Board of Commissioners oversees the entire operation of the county and represents the best interests of the citizens. County commissioners also oversee the core functions of the county government, such as fiscal operations, human resources, taxes, voting, emergency services, planning, and information technology. Other officials are also elected to perform certain functions: the Controller, the Treasurer, and the Recorder of Deeds. Under the direction of these officers, the county maintains important legal records such as real estate deeds, licenses and permits, and financial records.