Welcome to Thurston County Public Defense (the Office of Assigned Counsel)
Public Defenders for Washington's Capital County
 

​Thurston County Public Defense (TCPD) gives legal representation to people who can't afford a lawyer, in criminal and dependency cases in Thurston County District Court and Superior Court.

You can look up your case

Click on Odyssey - Washington Courts Online Case Search

You can contact your lawyer by email

  • Click on Department Attorneys
  • When you find your lawyer's name, click the link to send an email
  • Never discuss confidential or sensitive information about your case by email
  • Please don't use email to schedule an appointment. Instead, call our office at (360) 754-4897 to speak to a receptionist and make an appointment

​What is that court date for?

  • Preliminary Hearing: If in custody, the prosecutor has 72 hours (3 business days) to file charges. The 72 hour rule does not apply when the person is released.
    • The judge determines if there is Probable Cause (PC)
    • The judge sets Conditions of Release, and the client either is released on personal recognizance (PR) or required to post bail
  • Arraignment
    • Client pleads “guilty” or “not guilty” (TCPD advises all clients to plead “not guilty” at this stage)
    • The court schedules pretrial, omnibus, and trial dates
  • Pretrial and Omnibus
    • Lets the court know what the attorney and client are planning (Change of Plea, Trial, etc)
  • Status Conference (Wednesday before the trial)
    • Lets the court know whether or not the attorney and client are ready to go to trial the following week

​What is TCPD?

"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right . . . to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense."
U. S. Constitution, Amendment VI

"In criminal prosecutions the accused shall have the right to appear and defend in person, or by counsel..."
Washington State Constitution, Article I, Section XXII

Thurston County Public Defense (TCPD) carries out the guarantee of the Constitution that all people accused of crimes who are unable to afford a lawyer will receive effective legal representation. All TCPD lawyers are members of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), and are required to follow the Rules of Professional Conduct and maintain the integrity of their attorney-client relationships. All TCPD lawyers and staff are required to maintain client confidentiality and to represent the office professionally in all dealings. All employees of TCPD are expected to treat all of our clients with courtesy, dignity and respect, regardless of their cases or circumstances.

​Mission

We, the employees of Thurston County Public Defense, will protect and defend the rights of our clients through zealous, conscientious, and compassionate legal advocacy.