The Office of the Public Defender, as guardians of liberty, ensure that the accused of today and tomorrow are guaranteed the fundamental protection of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Arizona Constitution. Enhance the professionalism and productivity of the criminal defense bar. Pursue the development of cost-effective alternatives to incarceration. Perform statutory obligations in a fiscally responsible manner. Provide community education in areas of criminal justice and constitutional rights.
Indigent defendants have a constitutional right to legal representation.
Failure to provide effective representation places defendants at risk in terms of loss of liberty, property and, in some instances, life. The Office of the Public Defender is the last line of defense to protect innocent people from going to jail for crimes they did not commit. We are fortunate to be blessed with Constitutions that protect the individual liberties of every person, rich or poor. Our office provides essential services to the indigent population to preserve and protect our rights to liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. By protecting the rights of the indigent we protect the rights of everyone in the community.