How to Apply for Legal Representation
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender provides representation to those unable to afford an attorney. A financial qualification is required before services can be provided. The application process varies depending on the specific services needed. Follow the links below for further information.
Violation of Probation or Parole
If you are accused of violating the terms of your release either for probation on a jailable offense or for your release on parole, you have the right to an attorney.
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If you are on probation for a jailable offense, to apply for an attorney, complete the online application or visit the office nearest you to apply in person.
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​​If you need an attorney for a parole revocation hearing, it is not necessary to apply to our office. At your preliminary parole revocation hearing, request to be represented by an attorney. The hearing will be postponed to a future date, and an attorney from our office will be assigned to represent you at the upcoming hearing.
Criminal or Serious Traffic Charge
You have a right to an attorney for criminal and traffic charges that carry a penalty of incarceration. Applications for representation in these cases are handled by the District Court Commissioner.
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More information:
Commissioner locations:
Parental Defense
Parents and legal guardians who are accused of abuse or neglect of a child are entitled to legal representation. Our Parental Defense Division represents parents and legal guardians in Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) and Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) cases.
To apply for public defender representation, complete the online application or visit the office nearest you to apply in person.
Mental Health
If you have been involuntarily committed to an emergency room or inpatient psychiatric hospital you have the right to be represented by counsel. Our Mental Health Division represents people at civil commitment hearings, post-commitment proceedings, and release hearings for people found not criminally responsible (NCR).
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For more information and to be represented by a public defender, please call the Mental Health Division at 410-494-8130.
Juvenile Delinquency Cases
Minors have a right to an attorney in juvenile proceedings. To apply for public defender representation, a custodial parent or guardian must complete the online application or visit the office nearest you to apply in person.
Child Support Contempt Hearings
Public defender representation is available to eligible individuals for Child Support Contempt hearings which carry a possible penalty of jail time. Our offices are not able to take on general Child Support, Custody, or other Family Law cases.
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To apply for a public defender, complete the online application or visit the office nearest you to apply in person.
Please also submit a copy of the contempt petition to our office as soon as possible when qualifying for services.
Post-Conviction and Criminal Appeals
If you are challenging a conviction or sentence, you may have a right to an attorney depending on the type of proceeding applies.
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If you are appealing a criminal or juvenile case from Circuit Court, you have the right to an attorney. For public defender representation, contact the Appellate Division:
Office of the Public Defender, Appellate Division
6 St Paul Street, 14th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
​​​​If you are serving a Maryland sentence, your appeal is complete, and you are seeking post-conviction relief, you have the right to an attorney for your first petition. Contact the Post-Conviction Division for the appropriate forms and more information:
Post-Conviction Defenders
217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 1020
Baltimore, MD 21202
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If you are requesting representation for other proceedings, such as writ of error coram nobis, state habeas corpus, or motion to reopen post conviction proceedings, you do not have a right to an attorney but our Post-Conviction Defenders will consider representation. Write a detailed letter and send it to:
Post-Conviction Defenders
217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 1020
Baltimore MD 21202
Explain the details of your conviction and the issues you wish to present. Provide any court documentation and/or transcripts that substantiate your claims.
