Public Defender

Public Defender – Barbara Wevodau

20 West McClure Street

New Bloomfield, PA 17068

717-594-0037

The Public Defender is responsible for furnishing legal counsel to any person who, for lack of sufficient funds, is unable to obtain legal counsel in any situation where representation is constitutionally guaranteed. In general, a person is entitled to legal counsel whenever that individual’s personal liberty is at stake. This would include capital crimes, felony offenses, misdemeanor offenses, juvenile delinquency offenses and summary offenses that carry a mandatory sentence of incarceration.

Public Defender FAQs

1. How do I qualify for the services of the Public Defender?
   A. Those who earn less than $20,000 per year generally qualify.
2. Can the Public Defender represent me in Divorce, Custody, and PFA (initial filing) and other civil matters?
   A. The Public Defender’s Office only represents criminal defendants who have been charged with a Misdemeanor or a Felony or those who are facing criminal penalties such as when a defendant is in violation of a PFA Order.
3. Does the Public Defender represent defendants in support court?
   A. No, because support actions are civil as opposed to criminal and the Public Defender does not represent defendants in civil actions, with the exception that the Public Defender does represent defendants in Contempt proceedings in domestic relations matters when there is a risk of incarceration.
4. Does the Public Defender have anything to do with the Work Release Program or the House Arrest Program?
   A. No, the Work Release Program and the House Arrest Program are handled by the Perry County Correctional Facility and the Perry County Probation Department. Forms for these Programs can be obtained from the appropriate department. Any questions that you may have about these programs should also be directed to the appropriate department.
5. How can I obtain an application for the Public Defender?
   A. You may obtain an application for the Public Defender by requesting one from the District Justice where your Preliminary Hearing will be held or download the Public Defender Application listed below.  Completed applications should be returned to the Office of the Public Defender.