Pima County Public Defense Services – Tucson, AZ

Coordinating Justice for All

Pima County Public Defense Services is the administrative umbrella organization responsible for ensuring that all indigent defendants in Pima County receive the legal representation they are constitutionally guaranteed. This department oversees and coordinates the efforts of the Public Defender, the Legal Defender, the Legal Advocate, and the Office of Court Appointed Counsel. Their mission is to deliver excellent value in court-authorized legal services while ensuring fair and unbiased treatment for everyone in need.

Ensuring Effective Counsel

While the Public Defender’s office is the primary agency for defense, conflicts of interest often arise (for example, in cases with multiple defendants). Public Defense Services manages these complexities by assigning cases to alternative agencies or private attorneys through the Office of Court Appointed Counsel. This ensures that every individual has an attorney who is exclusively dedicated to their interests, free from any conflict.

Services & Administration

This department plays a critical role in the efficiency of the county’s criminal justice system. Their responsibilities include:

• Case Assignment: Directing cases to the appropriate defense agency based on workload and conflict status.
• Vendor Management: coordinating with investigators, experts, and mitigation specialists needed for defense.
• Quality Assurance: Implementing best practices and performance improvements across all defense divisions.
• Indigent Defense: Guaranteeing that financial status does not bar access to justice in felony and juvenile cases.

Central Administration Office

The Public Defense Services administration is located at 33 N Stone Ave, Suite 1800, on the 18th floor of the Bank of America Plaza. Operating in the same building as the Public Defender’s office facilitates seamless communication and case transfer. They serve as the backbone of the county’s defense infrastructure, working behind the scenes to uphold the Sixth Amendment rights of Tucson residents.

Justice should not depend on your bank account. We ensure that every voice is heard in the courtroom.

For administrative inquiries or issues regarding court-appointed counsel assignments, Pima County Public Defense Services is the central point of contact for the county’s legal defense network.