Grays Harbor County uses a public defense system consisting of both county employed public defense attorneys and qualified private attorneys contracted to provide public defense. Each attorney has the experience and knowledge to defend those accused of crimes. The Constitution and the Revised Code of Washington establish the basis for indigency and assigned counsel at public expense. Crime defense is not as it is depicted on television. Public defense relies on competent attorneys’ years of education and experience to preserve and protect an individual’s rights. One way to assist the attorney working on your case (or your family member’s case) is to prepare questions in advance of meeting with counsel. The attorney is a resource and it is important to value our limited attorney resources including their time. The confidential nature of the attorney/client relationship typically excludes family and friends from all case related  meetings and discussions.

Quick Links
What are my Miranda Rights?
I owe legal financial obligations ("LFOs") what are my rights?
Who is my public defense attorney?
Find out if someone is in jail – Grays Harbor County Jail.
When is my next court date?
I want to file a complaint against my public defense attorney.
I need help getting my driver's license.
Get help on a civil case.
Other frequently asked questions FAQs.
Public Defender

Other Links of Interest:
The United States Constitution
The United States Bill of Rights
The Washington State Constitution

All those who are accused of a crime possess the right to counsel The right to counsel serves no purpose unless it is the right to effective counsel. McMann v. Richardson, 397 U.S. 759 (1970). Effective assistance of counsel requires the defense attorney’s performance to be “reasonable . . . under prevailing professional norms.” Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984). 

Who We Serve
The Department of Public Defense serves the citizens of Grays Harbor County protecting those charged with crimes in the following types of cases:
Superior Court all felony charges;
District Court all charges;
Juvenile Court all offender matters, At Risk Youth ARY, and Child in Need of Supervision CHINS.

The Grays Harbor County Department of Public Defense DOES NOT provide public defense services for the following:
Aberdeen
Cosmopolis
Elma
Hoquiam
McCleary
Montesano
Oakville
Ocean Shores
Westport