Charleston County, SC Public Defender’s Office

The Charleston County Public Defender's Office is a community-funded law firm that delivers on the promise of "justice for all" in SC state courts. With one Public Defender, one Deputy Public Defender, 24 Attorneys, one Attorney representing in the Magistrate Court and three Family Court Attorneys, this Office handles cases in the state General Sessions Court, Transfer Court and Probation Violation Court. In addition, local Magistrates may appoint public defenders in cases that threaten a jail sentence. The office also represents many youth who are charged with crimes/delinquency in Family Court. The Ninth Circuit Public Defender manages the Charleston County Public Defender's Office. The responsibilities of Public Defenders are to provide legal representation to low-income citizens charged with serious crimes, represent clients in Family Court, represent juvenile defendants charged with crimes, and handle cases for citizens who are indigent and are facing an immediate jail sentence without an available alternative sentence or a fine. For further information, please contact the Charleston County Public Defender's Office.