Belmont County, OH Public Defender’s Office

The Belmont County Public Defender's Office is located in St. Clairsville, Ohio. With one Public Defender on staff, this office provides legal representation to indigent clients in Belmont County. The Public Defender's office provides representation on appeals and post-conviction actions in the death penalty, criminal, and juvenile delinquency cases. The right to counsel guaranteed to every American citizen accused of a crime is embodied in the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and made applicable to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment. An integral component of the right to counsel is the right to court-appointed counsel for those unable to hire an attorney. The Belmont County Public Defender's office's roles and responsibilities are to provide legal representation, consultation, and advice to clients, represent clients through criminal investigative proceedings, create a defense plan, conduct legal investigative research, and interview the necessary clients and witnesses, work closely with clients, discuss relevant information and strategies. For information about who qualifies for representation by the Public Defender's Office and how and when you can apply, please visit their website.