Public Defender

Responsiblities

The Charleston County Public Defender's Office is a community funded law firm that delivers on the promise of "justice for all" in our state courts. Low income persons who need the court's help to obtain defense counsel receive comprehensive, client centered representation. This office is an efficient means of meeting the South Carolina and federal constitutional requirements of the right to counsel whenever a person below federal poverty guidelines is charged with an offense that could cost them their liberty. The State Legislature and Charleston County provide financial support. The office handles cases in state General Sessions Court, Transfer Court and Probation Violation Court. Local Magistrates may appoint public defenders in cases that threaten a jail sentence. The North Charleston Municipal Court contracts with the office for indigency screening and a part-time public defender. The office also represents many of the youth who are charged with crimes/delinquency in Family Court (Clerk of Court). The office is managed by the Ninth Circuit Public Defender, who is selected by the Charleston County Bar Association and the SC Commission on Indigent Defense.

• Provide legal representation to low income citizens charged with serious crimes
• Represent in Family Court juvenile defendants charged with crimes
• Handle cases for citizens who are indigent and are facing an immediate jail sentence without an available alternative sentence or a fine