Welcome to the King County Office of Public Defense (OPD). We provide legal help to people who are accused of a crime and cannot afford an attorney. We also provide legal help to people who cannot afford an attorney and are facing certain other matters such as juvenile dependency, civil commitment, or civil contempt.

To find out if you qualify for OPD services see who we serve. Here is where to find out how to get an attorney. Even if you do not qualify for help from OPD, you can still find out about other local low-cost legal resources on our web site.

Attorney Resources
Four local, non-profit law firms, who employ more than 200 attorneys, and an assigned counsel panel of more than 90 attorneys, provide legal services through contracts with OPD. Attorneys can find information about our assigned counsel panel and expert witness services, as well as our policies and procedures in the business section.

OPD is one of four divisions in the King County Department of Community and Human Services. We are committed to providing high quality public defense services. We make sure that each person receives legal representation as guaranteed by the United States and Washington State constitutions and laws.

David K. Chapman
Director, Office of Public Defense