Office of the Public Defender, Somerset County
www.opd.state.md.us

From agency: Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Resource Details
Description LEGAL SERVICES: Provides legal representation to income eligible individuals who have been arrested for a criminal offense and facing possible jail sentence.

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.

REQUIRED IN-TAKE DOCUMENTATION: Clients must bring the following documents to the interview:
-1) Court Date
-2) Summary of Charges or Summons (Charging documents)
-3) Verification of income. 2 pay stubs (must be less than 30 days old).

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

INCARCERATED CLIENT: Incarcerated clients first go through the Commissioner. After they have been classified by area of incarceration, they are interviewed to see if they are eligible for a public defender.

"ON THE STREET" CLIENT: Clients who are out on bail or on their own recognizance must contact the Public Defender's Office. 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.
Defined coverage areas:
Maryland - Somerset County
 
Hours of operation:
Mon: 8AM 4:30PM
Tue: 8AM 4:30PM
Wed: 8AM 4:30PM
Thu: 8AM 4:30PM
Fri: 8AM 4:30PM
Program
Eligibility Indigent persons who have committed a crime or misdemeanor (based on income and other criteria, e.g. family size/med bills).
Languages Offered Accommodations possible.
Program Fees None.
Application Process See notes.
Normal Wait Times Juveniles will be seen immediately.
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, Charles County
Office of the Public Defender, Wicomico County
Office of the Public Defender, Talbot 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
Toll Free Number 877-430-5187
Fax Number 410-651-5320
Main 410-651-3271
Main Email Address chasity.simpson@maryland.gov
Main Contact Name Arch McFadden
Main Contact Title Deputy Public Defender/Supervising Attorney
Main Contact Phone 410-651-3271
Main Contact Email Address archibald.mcfadden@maryland.gov
Director or Senior Administrator Name Chasity Simpson
Director or Senior Administrator Title District Public Defender
Director or Senior Administrator Phone 410-651-3287
Director or Senior Administrator Email Address chasity.simpson@maryland.gov
Sites offering this Program 11785 Somerset Avenue