Columbia County, PA Public Defender’s Office

The Columbia County Public Defender's Office is located in Bloomsburg, PA. The office has a responsibility to represent individuals accused of a crime who cannot afford an attorney. With one Chief Public Defender, one First Assistant Public Defender, three Assistant Public Defenders, and two Legal Secretaries, the services of the office are paid for by the taxpayers of Columbia County. Thus, eligibility for representation is based upon the gross income level of the applicant applying the Federal Poverty Guidelines, similar to the application process for other public service programs. The Public Defender's office provides legal representation to indigent defendants in Columbia County who cannot pay for private counsel and risk losing their liberty if convicted. The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay and the right to a lawyer. The privilege of offering representation to those in need is why the law has offered public defense services. Please visit their website for who qualifies for representation by the Public Defender's office and how and when you can apply.