Screening for a Public Defender
Defendants may opt to complete the screening process via phone. They can call 360-736-9301 to initiate the screening process remotely.
Defendants also have the option to complete the screening form online, the form is attached below. Once completed it can be emailed to public.defense@lewiscountywa.gov or mailed to Public Defense Services 351 NW N Street, Chehalis, WA 98532.
Indigency Screening Instructions
1. Please download (fillable PDF) or print the screening form.
2. Complete top section with contact information, charge, and case number.
3. If you are on any type of state assistance, please check the correct box of which
assistance you receive.
If assistance is being received stop here on the form, sign and date at the
bottom of the form and email or mail to the address listed below.
4. If assistance is not received, please complete the rest of the form regarding
household size, income, assets, and expenses.
5. If no income or assistance is received, please list how you are supporting
yourself currently. (ex. Family, friends, homeless, etc....)
6. Once you have completed the form please sign and date along the bottom of
the form and email or mail the completed form to our office.
Email Address: public.defense@lewiscountywa.gov
Mailing Address:
Public Defense Services
351 NW North St
Chehalis, WA 98532
Please email the address above or call 360-740-1339 with any questions.
Our office will be in touch once the form is received and reviewed for indigency and attorney assignment. We will call you whether you are deemed indigent or not and review options with you.
"Indigent" means a person who, at any stage of a court proceeding, is receiving one of the following types of public assistance as outlined in RCW 10.101.10
- Temporary assistance for needy families (TANF)
- Aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits
- Medical care services under RCW 74.09.035
- Pregnant women assistance benefits
- Poverty-related veterans' benefits
- Food Stamps
- Refugee resettlement benefits
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income
OR
- Involuntarily committed to a public mental health facility
- Receiving an annual income, after taxes, of 125% or less of the federally established poverty level
- Unable to pay the anticipated cost of counsel for the matter before the court because his or her available funds are insufficient to pay any amount for the retention of counsel