Connecticut State Division of Public Defender Services

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.

Income Eligibility Guidelines 2024-2025

Income Eligibility Guidelines for Public Defender Services
Seperated Bar

Effective October 1, 2025  (revised September 9, 2025)

An accused whose gross annual income is at or below the following amounts may be found eligible for public defender services.

Accused without any dependents $39,125
Accused with one dependent $52,875
Accused with two dependent
$66,625
Accused with three dependent $80,375
Each additional dependent $13,750

 

 

Effective April 1, 2026  (revised March 4, 2026)

An accused whose GROSS annual income is at or below the following amounts may be found eligible for public defender services.
           

Accused without any dependents                         $39,900

Accused with one dependent                                $54,100

Accused with two dependents                              $68,300

Accused with three dependents                            $82,500

Each additional dependent add                            $14,200