The Pierce County Public Defender has a branch office located in Wayne, Nebraska, and is responsible for representing individuals whom the Court has determined cannot afford to hire an attorney and are involved in various legal matters. It is the duty of the public defender to represent all indigent persons who are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor offense that may be punishable by imprisonment or whom a petition has been filed before a mental health board. The Public Defender shall represent the indigent defendant at all critical stages of the proceedings against them through the stage of sentencing. The court shall make the appointment of a public defender. As an elected official, the Public Defender answers directly to the county's citizens. The roles and responsibilities of the Pierce County Public Defender's Office are to provide legal representation, consultation, and advice to clients and represent clients through criminal investigative proceedings. In addition, create a defense plan, conduct legal investigative research, interview the necessary clients and witnesses, work closely with clients, and discuss relevant information and strategies. If the Court has assigned a public defender to your case in Pierce County, please contact the office head for further assistance.