Application for Services
Application for Services
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUBLIC DEFENDER APPLICATION
It is the responsibility of the Office of Public Defender to provide free legal representation for any person charged with a criminal matter in Mifflin County, who for lack of funds is unable to afford an attorney. You may be eligible for services.
To apply for services, you must complete the attached application. ALL INFORMATION MUST BE COMPLETED AND APPLICATION MUST BE DATED AND SIGNED. The application must be received for review prior to the date of your scheduled court appearance. FAILURE TO TIMELY SUBMIT A FULLY COMPLETED APPLICATION MAY RESULT IN AN INITIAL DENIAL OF YOUR REQUEST FOR REPRESENTATION AND YOUR CASE BEING CONTINUED TO THE NEXT AVAILABLE COURT DATE TO ALLOW FOR PROPER REVIEW OF SAME.
An application will be included in the initial paperwork you receive from the Magisterial District Judge. Applications can be sent by mail, or dropped off at the MIFFLIN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE located at 20 North Wayne Street, Lewistown, Pennsylvania. If your court appearance is scheduled within the next 10 days, you should immediately hand-deliver the application to the Public Defender’s office in a sealed envelope in order to prevent the disclosure of confidential information. If you drop off your application during non-office hours, you should place your sealed envelope under the office door. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4 PM. Once your application has been processed, you will be notified as promptly as possible if your application is denied. In order to receive a response to your application, it is imperative that you provide a good, working phone number. It is your responsibility to notify the public defender office if your phone number changes at any time, and every time.
Any Public Defender Application that is filled out via the fillable form, please sent to mrishel@mifflincountypa.gov for further review.
You should have available the following financial information in the event the office has questions regarding your application.
1. Last four (4) pay stubs or;
2. Unemployment card and statement or;
3. Department of Public Assistance card or;
4. A copy of your most recent Federal Income Tax Return
OR
5. If you can be or are claimed as a dependent by another person for Federal Income Tax purposes, written verification of financial information must be provided for that person.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL CAUSE DELAY IN PROCESSING OR DENIAL OF YOUR APPLICATION. PLEASE MAINTAIN THIS PAGE FOR YOUR RECORDS. IF YOU ARE IN JAIL WHEN THIS APPLICATION IS COMPLETED AND ARE SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASED, PLEASE CONTACT THE PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE IMMEDIATELY AT 717-914-6590.
APPLICATION FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF PUBLIC DEFENDER