Representation

Attorneys who provide public defense services are attorneys in private practice who are contracted with the County.

Our mission is to ensure effective and cost-efficient legal representation is available to persons who are eligible for court-appointed counsel, consistent with the Washington and United States Constitutions, laws, and national standards of justice.

If you are attempting to contact your attorney and are unable to do so please call 360-740-1339 or email public.defense@lewiscountywa.gov. Please include your name, case number, and a good phone number that we can pass along to your attorney with a message to get in touch with you.

How do I complain if I have a problem with my court-appointed lawyer?

Many concerns can be resolved by talking directly to your public defender. If you cannot work out the issue with your attorney, you may complete the attached Public Defender Complaint Packet and email the completed packet to public.defense@lewiscountywa.gov or mail the completed packet to:

Lewis County Department of Risk and Public Defense

351 NW North St.

Chehalis, WA 98532

Lewis County reviews concerns raised by defendants. Lewis County Public Defense does not accept complaints from family members or other third parties on behalf of the defendant and does not accept anonymous complaints.

Please note that complaints submitted to OPD may be subject to disclosure as a public record.