Public Defense

You have the right to have an attorney represent you if you have been charged with a crime that includes a potential jail sentence. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may qualify for a court appointed public defender. If you do not qualify for a court appointed attorney, you may choose to privately hire an attorney to represent you. By law, court staff cannot give legal advice or refer you to an attorney.

Public defense screenings

Eligibility for a public defender is determined through a financial application and review. You must qualify as indigent under Washington State law, RCW 10.101.

The Judge holds indigency screenings on Wednesdays during the arraignment calendar. If you wish to be screened prior to your arraignment date or you have an outstanding warrant for failure to appear for an arraignment, you can fill out a screening form and bring it into Monroe Municipal Court for review during our business hours. 

Indigency screening forms

Monroe Municipal Court Indigency Screening Form - English version

Monroe Municipal Court Indigency Screen Form - Spanish version)