Public Defender

Bradford County Courthouse
301 Main Street
Towanda, PA 18848

Phone: (570) 265-1713
Fax: (570) 265-1754
Email: bcpubdef@bradfordcountypa.gov

Monday-Friday
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

*Please note – if you are applying for a public defender, you must arrive at the office by 3:00 p.m. The application process takes at least 30 minutes.

The Bradford County Office of the Public Defender represents individuals who are charged with one or more crimes and cannot afford to hire private counsel. Attorneys in the office also represent juveniles charged in delinquency proceedings. Representation is provided through all stages of criminal proceedings, from the preliminary hearing through the conclusion of appeal before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

The Office of the Public Defender provides free legal representation in criminal matters for those charged within Bradford County, who are indigent and cannot afford to hire a lawyer.

Matters for which representation is provided include:

• Misdemeanors
• Felonies
• Capital cases
• Summary offenses, when there is a possibility of incarceration.
• Representation of juveniles accused of delinquency.

How to obtain a public defender:

• You must apply in person at the Public Defender’s Office in the Bradford County Courthouse at least one week prior to your preliminary hearing.

To apply, please provide:

• Your criminal complaint and affidavit of probable cause (If you do not have these documents, please contact the Magisterial District Justice Office, where you are charged for a copy to bring to our office).
• Your most recent two months of paystubs and proof of any other household income.
• Your most recent federal tax return.

If you qualify, but the Public Defender’s Office is unable to represent you due to a conflict of interest, you will be referred to private counsel who will provide representation at no charge to you.