The Jefferson County Public Defenders Office provides services to clients in the Jefferson County Criminal and Juvenile Courts who cannot afford to retain counsel. The ability to pay for retained counsel is determined by the judge before the office is appointed. The judge will determine if a person is eligible based on the involvement of a person in a judicial proceeding for which appointed counsel is required or allowed by the constitution or statute and income requirements based on the poverty level guidelines established by the Department of Health and Human Services. To be eligible for services the individual’s income must be at or below 125% of the poverty level guidelines. Individuals who have income greater than 125% of the poverty level but below 200% may also be eligible if the judge makes a written determination that paying for legal representation would result in substantial hardship. Individuals charged with a felony with income above 200% of the poverty level may be eligible if the judge makes a written determination that paying for legal representation would result in substantial hardship. Although a judge determines the eligibility, you can also contact their office to see if you are eligible for their services.