Members of the public have reported receiving calls, reportedly from the Judicial Branch of the Public Defender’s office, indicating that their loved one is in jail and they need to immediately send cash or provide a credit card number for bail. These calls are scams, so please do not send cash or provide your credit card number or any other personal information. A public defender would never call and ask for money or credit card information. If you receive such a call, contact the State Police in your state.

Gross Annually
Income Eligibility Guidelines

Misdemeanor and Youthful Offender (misdemeanor)

Felony

Youthful Offender (felony), Juvenile Matters, Family Matters and Child Protection 

Income Eligibility Guidelines for 2015-2016. These guidelines were adopted by the Public Defender Services Commission, effective July 1, 2015.

The income guidelines reflect the increase in the federal poverty guideline for 2015, and replace the income guidelines currently in use.


Misdemeanor and Youthful Offender (misdemeanor)
An accused, whose gross annual income is at or below the following amounts may be found eligible:
If the most serious charge is a Misdemeanor

Accused without dependents

$17,505

Accused with one dependent

$23,595

Accused with two dependent

$29,685

Accused with three dependent

$35,775

Each additional dependent

$6,090

Felony
An accused, whose gross annual income is at or below the following amounts may be found eligible:
If the most serious charge is a Felony
Gross Annually

Accused without dependents

$23,340

Accused with one dependent

$31,460

Accused with two dependent

$39,580

Accused with three dependent

$47,700

Each additional dependent

$8,120

Youthful Offender (felony), Juvenile Matters, Family Matters and Child Protection

A prospective client whose parent(s) gross annual income is at or below the following amounts, may be found eligible for representation in any delinquency matter:
Gross Annually

Single Parent Household and Juvenile

$31,460

Dual Parent Household and Juvenile

$39,580

Each Additional Parental Dependent

$8,120