Benzie County, MI Public Defender’s Office

The Benzie County Public Defender's Office is located in Beulah, Michigan. The office has one Chief Assistant Public Defender and one Associate Public Defender who ensure the state's public defense system is fair, cost-effective and constitutional while simultaneously protecting public safety and accountability. The Benzie County Public Defender's Office was created in response to legislation improving the adult criminal indigent defense system across Michigan and is designed to represent the adult criminally accused in Benzie county. In addition, this office also handles felony and misdemeanor cases for adults who cannot afford privately retained counsel. Juveniles accused of crimes are also entitled to court-appointed attorneys. However, the juvenile court appoints counsel through a roster of contract attorneys and not through the Public Defender's office. This is due to state funding conditions. Furthermore, the office represents the County in criminal matters before the District and Circuit Courts, juvenile delinquency, parental neglect and miscellaneous probate matters in the Family Court, and appeals in the Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court. Please contact them directly for more information on Benzie County Public Defender Office services.