Clark County’s Indigent Defense Office provides the courts with attorneys to represent indigent persons in specific types of state and county cases -- primarily criminal, probation violation, juvenile offender, mental commitment and dependency (abuse & neglect) cases. Persons who are subject to these types of cases must financially qualify for the appointment of a public defender. Clark County courts determine whether a person qualifies.
The majority of attorneys who provide indigent defense services are attorneys in private practice (not county employees), who are under contract with the county. These attorneys can only represent individuals if a judge appoints the attorney.
The county’s Indigent Defense Coordinator is responsible for promoting the professional independence and integrity of the indigent defense system, and fulfilling the county’s obligation to provide quality, independent counsel to those who qualify for appointment of counsel at county expense.
Clients of indigent defense attorneys who have concerns or complaints are encouraged to complete a “Client Complaint Form.” For time-sensitive matters, please contact Ann Christian, Indigent Defense Coordinator, at (360) 397-2256 or ann.christian@clark.wa.gov.
If you need an attorney to represent you in a criminal or juvenile court matter, but the court determines that you are not financially eligible for appointed counsel, the court has a “Near Indigent” list of attorneys who will provide legal representation in some cases on a reduced fee basis. In addition, the Clark County Bar Association’s Modest Means Program may be of assistance. Go to the Clark County Bar Association’s website, click on Legal Services and scroll down to “Modest Means.”
If you need assistance with a civil case (for example, divorce, landlord/tenant, employment), there are many resources listed on the Clark County Bar Association’s website.
Indigent Defense Mission: To ensure effective and cost-efficient legal representation is available to persons who are eligible for court-appointed counsel, consistent with the Washington and United States Constitutions, laws and national standards of justice.
Contact Information:
Ann Christian: ann.christian@clark.wa.gov or (360) 397-2256
Sandy Ohman: sandy.ohman@clark.wa.gov or (360) 397-2333
