Spokane County Pre‑trial Services explains how to apply for a court‑appointed public defender

Spokane County Pre‑trial Services detailed how people charged with crimes can apply for a court‑appointed public defender and the steps the office uses to determine eligibility.

A staff member with Spokane County Pre‑trial Services said applicants must be appointed before the Spokane County Public Defenders Office can represent them: “The Spokane County Public Defenders Office cannot represent anyone without first being appointed either by Spokane County Pre‑trial Services or directly by a judge.” The message said applicants facing misdemeanor charges in district court or felony charges in superior court may ask the court for a court‑appointed public defender and that Pre‑trial Services can take the application.

The office described a four‑step process. Step one is to apply for a public defender, either in person or online. The office asked applicants to come to the Pre‑trial Services office on the first floor of the courthouse annex at 1116 West Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260, and noted hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a lunch closure from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. When applying in person, the message instructed visitors to check in with the receptionist and said staff will assist; the in‑person interview typically takes “10 to 15 minutes.”

The online application option is available via the county website or a QR code provided by the office, but applicants must submit the online form themselves; family members or friends may not apply on a person’s behalf. The staff clarified the online form is for criminal charges in district or superior court only and should not be used for municipal court, civil, family law, probate, or traffic ticket matters.

Step two is a financial screening. Applicants are asked about income, expenses, and assets to determine whether they qualify for a public defender. The office said helpful documentation includes bank statements, pay stubs, or proof of public assistance. At the conclusion of the screening interview, Pre‑trial Services will inform applicants whether they qualify.

Step three requires online applicants to provide a valid phone number; Pre‑trial Services will place a confirmation call to ensure the application contains the information needed to make a determination and will inform the applicant at the end of that call whether they qualify for a public defender.

Step four covers assignment and appeals. If an application meets eligibility guidelines, the Public Defenders Office will assign an attorney to the case. If an application does not meet the guidelines, the message said the applicant may appeal the decision and ask the court to reconsider; Pre‑trial Services offered assistance with that appeal process.

The office also reminded applicants that they must appear at their next scheduled court date whether or not they have met with a public defender. In closing the recorded message, a staff member said, “We are here to help,” and noted that Pre‑trial Services can help with court text reminders and make referrals to community resources for housing, employment, treatment services, and transportation assistance. The announcement included a phone number for the office: 509‑477‑3960.

The recorded guidance did not cite specific statutes or rules; it provided procedural instructions, contact details, and an appeal path for applicants seeking representation.