LAW OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDERMail or In-Person Application
PUBLIC DEFENDER APPLICATION PROCESSMail or In-Person Application
If you are in jail, someone from the Public Defender’s Office will visit you and bring you the Application for Criminal Indigent Status for you to fill out and apply for legal representation. If you qualify for a public defender, our office will send you a letter letting you know the name and telephone number of your public defender.
If you are not in Jail. If you are out of jail and cannot afford a private attorney, please follow the directions on the Clerk of the Courts website.
The Court appoints juvenile cases, so you can only apply at the time of your next court hearing.
If you qualify for a public defender, our office will send a letter to your home address letting you know the name and telephone number of your public defender. If you do not have the $50.00 application fee, you may still apply for a Public Defender.
Apply in court. The Application for Criminal Indigent Status is available for you to complete inside the courtroom. If you qualify, the Court will appoint an attorney to represent you against the charges brought by the State of Florida.
Circuit Felony Adult
If you are charged with a Felony Offense or Case Number includes a CF designation (XX-XXXXXCF10A), mail or bring the completed and signed application to:
Broward County Clerk of Courts
Felony Division
201 S.E. 6th Street
East Building, 1st Floor, Room: 1360
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
County Misdemeanor Adult
If you are charged with a Misdemeanor and Traffic Criminal Offense or Case Number includes a MM designation (XX-XXXXXMM10A), mail or bring the completed and signed application to:
Broward County Clerk of Courts
Traffic and Misdemeanor Division
201 S.E. 6th Street
West Building, 1st Floor, Room: 1130
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Juvenile
If you are a Juvenile or the Parents of the Child, and your Case Number has a DL designation (XX-XXXXDL10A), mail or bring the completed and signed application to:
Broward County Clerk of Courts
Juvenile Division
201 S.E. 6th Street
West Building, 5th Floor, Room: 05180
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
And Each Shall Stand Equal
APPLICATION FEE
$50
There is a $50 application fee assessed for each application filed for consideration of appointment of the Law Office of the Public Defender to represent you in a criminal matter.
The $50 Public Defender Application Fee was created by the Florida Legislature. The fee is not refundable and applies whether or not a Public Defender is actually appointed for you. However, if you do not have the money, you cannot be denied a Public Defender. The $50 fee can be paid or payment plan arranged at the County Clerk of Courts Office.
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