McDowell County, NC Public Defender’s Office

The McDowell County Public Defender's Office is located in Marion, NC. With three Assistant Public Defenders, one Legal Assistant, and other support staff, this office provides legal representation to indigent defendants in McDowell County who cannot pay for private counsel and risk losing their liberty if convicted. McDowell County falls under 29A Defender District, which also includes the Rutherford County. 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 Office of Indigent Defense Services (IDS) oversees the work of the McDowell County, Public Defenders. IDS is a leader in developing innovative, cost-effective, and accountable indigent defense programs. Its work includes an increase in communication and resource-sharing with the private bar, the development of legal training programs, often in partnership with the UNC School of Government, establishing a specialized Office of the Juvenile Defender, and creating performance guidelines for appointed counsel across many practice areas. If you have any questions about this organization, please use the contact information on the right-hand side of the page.