Rutherford County, NC Public Defender’s Office

The Rutherford County Public Defender's Office is located in Rutherfordton, NC. With one Public Defender, five Assistant Public Defenders, one Legal Assistant, and one Investigator, this office provides legal representation to indigent defendants in Rutherford County who cannot pay for private counsel and risk losing their liberty if convicted. Rutherford County falls under 29A Defender District, which also includes the McDowell 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford County Public Defender's Office, please use the contact information on the right-hand side of the page.