Featured News

  • Wood carved sign with text "Okanogan County Court House"
    State funding covers fraction of local costs

    Public defenders for Okanogan County — the lawyers who represent defendants who can’t afford to hire their own attorney — are juggling such overwhelming caseloads that they could surpass the maximum number of cases they’re allowed to handle before the year is out.
  • Seattle Times Staff Reporter, Daniel Beekman writes, "When you’re charged with a crime that could put you behind bars and you don’t have enough money to pay an attorney to defend you, the government is supposed to provide you with one. But that isn’t happening in some communities across Washingto…

  • Man being interviewed for TV News
    The state is running low on public defenders and the Director of the Office of Public Defense says the situation is dire.

    Between growing caseloads and attorneys quitting faster than they’re getting hired, defenders are working around the clock to represent those who can’t afford attorneys on their own. View the full story.
Larry Jefferson - Director
Larry Jefferson

From the Director

The Office of Public Defense believes in providing justice through service to our community, prioritizing equity and excellence in all we do. Ensuring justice means embracing a multidisciplinary approach to providing public defense services, ensuring that each individual is met where they are at with the help they need in their case. 

This core value propels our team of dedicated advocates to address the far-reaching causes and consequences of justice involvement. We are dedicated to collaborating across disciplines, pooling diverse expertise and perspectives to accomplish our mission.

We want to extend our sincerest gratitude to our partners and supporters, who are integral to our efforts to break down the barriers that stand in the way of access to justice for all. Together, we can champion a system that ensures justice for every individual, family, and community in the State of Washington.

Larry Jefferson signature