The Adams County Public Defender’s Office represents people who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Public defenders are appointed by the court to represent people in felony, misdemeanor, traffic, child abuse and neglect, child delinquency, post-conviction, and involuntary hospitalization matters.

When a person requests in court that a public defender be appointed, the judge considers financial and other information and determines whether the person is eligible for representation by the Adams County Public Defender’s Office. If the person is eligible, a public defender is appointed.

Each public defender in the Adams County Public Defender’s Office is an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.