Public Defender Office – Jefferson City, MO

Protecting the Rights of Missourians

The Missouri State Public Defender – District 19 office is a vital component of the state’s justice system, located in Jefferson City, Missouri. This office serves Cole, Miller, Moniteau, and Osage counties, providing legal representation to indigent citizens who are accused of state crimes. The fundamental belief driving their work is that every person, regardless of their income, deserves competent and aggressive legal counsel when their liberty is at stake. The attorneys here are dedicated public servants who handle thousands of cases annually, ensuring that the government is held to its burden of proof in every single instance.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense

The District 19 office handles a broad spectrum of criminal matters in state trial courts. Their services include:

• Felony Defense: representing clients charged with serious crimes such as burglary, assault, drug possession, and homicide.
• Misdemeanor Defense: handling lower-level offenses that still carry the risk of jail time, including theft and minor drug charges.
• Probation Violations: advocating for clients facing revocation of probation to prevent incarceration.
• Juvenile Justice: protecting the futures of young people involved in the juvenile court system.

Access to Justice

Eligibility for representation by the Public Defender Office is based on financial need. Individuals must apply and demonstrate that they cannot afford to hire an attorney privately. Once appointed, the public defender provides the same level of rigorous defense as private counsel, investigating cases, filing motions, and taking cases to trial when necessary. Located on Adams Street, just blocks from the Cole County Jail and Courthouse, the office is accessible to those who need it most. If you need to find a lawyer and are facing criminal charges without the means to pay, this office is your line of defense.