Dauphin County, PA Public Defender’s Office

The Dauphin County Public Defender's Office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is responsible for furnishing legal counsel to any person who, for lack of sufficient funds, is unable to obtain legal counsel in any situation where representation is constitutionally guaranteed. This office has one Chief Public Defender and other supporting staff that ensures that all individuals facing criminal charges or a criminal trial have access to quality defense as per their 6th Amendment rights. In general, a person is entitled to legal counsel whenever that individual's liberty is at stake. This would include capital crimes, misdemeanor and felony offenses, summary offenses that carry a mandatory sentence of incarceration and commitment proceedings under the Mental Health Procedures Act. In Dauphin County, eligibility for public defender services is based on federal poverty guidelines. Therefore, income, family financial responsibilities and the nature of the charges are all considered in determining qualification for legal representation by the public defender. You should first contact the Dauphin County Public Defender's Office for further assistance.