Baltimore County Criminal Court: How to Apply for Free Legal Defense from a Public Defender

If you are arrested and charged with a crime in Baltimore County, Maryland, you will most likely have to appear in court in front of a judge who will determine whether or not you are guilty of the crime. Some people are able to afford the services of a private defense attorney, but you are entitled to legal counsel regardless of your ability to pay. For those who are unable to afford an attorney on their own, they can seek the services of a public defender, who is an attorney paid by the state to defend those who have been accused of a crime.

In Baltimore County, Maryland, you will need to fill out an application in person if you wish to have a public defender. The Baltimore County Public Defender's Office is located at 500 Virginia Avenue in Towson, Maryland. When you come to the office you will need several items with you in order to complete your application, including the charging documents, trial date notices from the court, and proof of current income or proof of public assistance.

Once you have completed the application for a public defender and offered copies of the required documents, a determination will be made as to whether or not you are eligible for public legal assistance. In Baltimore County, this is a decision based on your personal income and assets. If you are eligible for a public defender, you will not speak to a lawyer the day you visit the office in Towson. Instead, you will be contacted by your Baltimore public defender about 7 days before your trial via telephone. It is very important that you are available for this telephone interview, as this is the only time you will talk to your lawyer before court.

After your telephone interview, you can expect to meet your lawyer in person for the first time the day of your scheduled trial. Your public defender will represent you before the Baltimore County judge, and will make sure you fully understand the outcome of your trial. If you need a public defender, it is important not to wait until the last minute to begin the process of obtaining one. If you do, you may have to appear in court without legal representation.

It is recommended that you contact the Baltimore County Public Defender's office before you make a trip to fill out your application in person. The office can be reached by calling 410-324-8900 or toll-free at 1-877-430-5187.