Office of Public Defense

This office is charged with providing publicly funded defense services to indigent persons when required by law or the Constitution. Anyone facing a criminal charge, civil commitment, or a dependency proceeding - and who is found to be income-eligible - is entitled to a public defender, as are children facing contempt of court in truancy proceedings. Our contracted attorneys are highly skilled and dedicated and are committed to ensuring quality legal representation and advocacy for anyone facing a criminal charge.

It is the goal of the Public Defender’s Office to protect every client’s constitutional rights, to defend against discriminatory treatment and disproportionate punishment, and to ensure that no one who is innocent is ever wrongfully convicted.  We are committed to providing all mandated legal services in an efficient and cost-effective manner while holding ourselves to the highest professional and ethical standards.

If you would like to learn more about us or use the tools on this website that provide information and resources to clients, client family members, our attorneys and the community. Please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Larry W. Zeigler, Attorney at Law
Franklin County Public Defense Manager

**Anyone interested in an opportunity of being a Public Defender may submit their resume to opd@franklincountywa.gov at anytime. Refer to our our employment opportunities for details**