Benton County, WA Public Defender’s Office
Description
The Benton County Office of Public Defense (BCOPD) is a public defense agency located in the Benton County Justice Center in Kennewick, WA. BCOPD is charged with providing and overseeing public defense services in Benton County that provides high-quality legal representation through a combination of over 40 staff and contract attorneys. This office serves the citizens of Benton County in Superior Court criminal (felony or misdemeanor) and certain civil contempt cases where jail time is being sought, District Court criminal cases (including criminal cases initiated by the cities of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland and Prosser), juvenile offender cases, juvenile dependency cases (representing children) and Involuntary Treatment Act cases (mental health civil commitment). However, they do not provide public defense services in Franklin County or Pasco Municipal Court cases and any civil lawsuits, divorce cases, traffic infractions and other civil matters or non-criminal charges. To get a public defender, you must be considered "indigent." Please visit the financial eligibility section on their website to know what circumstances meet Washington indigency standards. For any further assistance, please contact the BCOPD directly.