Office of the Public Defender, Charles County
www.opd.state.md.us/charles

From agency: Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Resource Details
Description OVERVIEW: Provides legal representation to those who may not otherwise be able to afford legal representation.

SERVICES:
1) LEGAL SERVICES: Provides legal representation to income eligible individuals who have been arrested or summoned for a criminal offense with the possibility of incarceration.

INTAKE PROCEDURE:

1) INCARCERATED CLIENT: Incarcerated clients are initially interviewed at the Detention Center's diagnostic center. After they have been classified by area of incarceration, they are interviewed to see if they are eligible for a public defender.

2) "ON THE STREET" CLIENT: Clients who are out on bail or on their own recognizance must contact the Public Defender's Office (see locations at end of file). They should contact the nearest office by telephone to ascertain what documentation they need to bring to the office for the interview to prove income-eligibility. The interview MUST take place at least 10 working days before the court date.

INTAKE DOCUMENTATION: Clients must bring the following documents to the interview:

1) Charging documents (summary of charges, summons).
2) Verification of income. 2 pay stubs (must be less than 30 days old).
3) Court Date.

If qualified, the client will immediately be appointed a public defender.

2) CLIENT SERVICES DIVISION: The Public Defender refers clients who may need extra advocacy during the trial to this division. The client may have mitigating circumstances, such as a history of substance abuse, mental illness or HIV, which would suggest the need for an alternative to incarceration. The client is evaluated and, if eligible, is returned to the courtroom with an advocate and expert witnesses.
Defined coverage areas:
Maryland - Charles County
Physical Address 101 Catalpa Drive Suite 102A
La Plata MD
20646 United States
  View map of this location
Hours Of Operation Walk-in / Intake hours are Monday - Friday from 8:30AM-11:30AM and 1PM–3:30PM.

Fri: 8AM 5PM
Thu: 8AM 5PM
Wed: 8AM 5PM
Tue: 8AM 5PM
Mon: 8AM 5PM
Physical Location Description Southern Maryland Trade Center
Program
Eligibility Indigent persons who have committed a crime or misdemeanor (based on income and other criteria, family size/med bills).
Languages Offered Accommodations possible.
Program Fees $50 Administration fee. $25 for juveniles.
Normal Wait Times Varies
Programs at this agency Office of the Public Defender, Baltimore City
Office of the Public Defender, Baltimore County
Office of the Public Defender, Anne Arundel County, Glen Burnie
Office of the Public Defender, Anne Arundel County, Annapolis
Office of the Public Defender, Carroll County
Office of the Public Defender, Cecil County
Office of the Public Defender, Harford County
Office of the Public Defender, Washington County
Office of the Public Defender, Allegany County
Office of the Public Defender, Frederick County
Office of the Public Defender, Dorchester County
Office of the Public Defender, Calvert County
Office of the Public Defender, Wicomico County
Office of the Public Defender, Talbot County
Office of the Public Defender, Somerset County
Office of the Public Defender, St. Mary's County
Office of the Public Defender, Queen Anne's County
Office of the Public Defender, Prince George's County
Office of the Public Defender, Montgomery County
Office of the Public Defender, Howard County
Office of the Public Defender, Caroline County
Office of the Public Defender, Garrett County
Office of the Public Defender, Worcester County


Contact Information
Mailing Address 101 Catalpa Drive Suite 102A
La Plata MD
20646 United States
Toll Free Number 887-430-5187
Fax Number 301-392-3851 & 301-392-3212
Main 301-539-7330
Main Email Address sherron.mitchell@maryland.gov
Main Contact Name
Main Contact Title
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Main Contact Email Address
Director or Senior Administrator Name
Director or Senior Administrator Title
Director or Senior Administrator Phone
Director or Senior Administrator Email Address
Sites offering this Program 200 Kent Avenue