Public Defender

Public Defender's Office

The Public Defender’s office is responsible for defending indigent clients, or clients who are financially unable to pay for a private attorney.  The office represents such clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors. The Public Defender also represents individuals in the juvenile and mental health courts.   

The Court appoints the public defender on a case-by-case basis.  To determine whether you qualify for a public defender, you must do the following:
  1. Fully complete and sign this Affidavit of Assets and Liabilities
  2. You may submit the completed Affidavit as follows:
    1. By e-mail, by using the “Submit” button at the bottom of the form, if your software permits;
    2. By e-mail, by manually attaching it to an e-mail, including your name and case number in the subject line, and sending to CircuitClerk@jodaviesscountyil.gov AND to publicdefender@jodaviesscountyil.gov;
    3. By US mailing a hard copy to the Jo Daviess County Public Defender at the mailing address shown on this page;
    4. By hand-delivering to the Public Defender at the courthouse
  3. Representation by the Public Defender does not begin until the judge appoints the Public Defender to represent you and your completed Affidavit is properly submitted. 
When you fill out the financial affidavit form, you are representing to the Court that the form is a true, accurate, and complete reflection of your financial situation.   Not being truthful on the form may result in a charge of perjury.

If the Court does not appoint the Public Defender, then the individual may choose to hire a private attorney OR he or she may represent himself or herself on a pro se basis. 

All Attorneys in the Jo Daviess Public Defender’s Office are lawyers licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.

Please use the links below to find additional information related to the Public Defender's Office.