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Court Appointed Attorney

Who Can Get a Court-Appointed Attorney

  • If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you can ask the court to assign one. 
  • You may also request an attorney in certain juvenile cases, such as abuse or neglect, termination of parental rights, or juvenile delinquency.

How the Court Decides if You Qualify 

  • You may qualify if paying for an attorney would make it hard for you and your family to meet basic needs.
  • A court clerk will review your application to see if you meet the financial rules.
  • The court may order you to pay an application fee or part of the attorney’s cost.
  • The amount you may need to pay depends on your income and living expenses. 

Cases That Do Not Qualify 

  • Court appointed attorneys are not available for civil cases.
  • Civil cases include family law, personal injury, landlord-tenant issues, bankruptcy, and employment cases. 

How to Apply

  • To apply, you must fill out an Affidavit of Eligibility.
  • If you are not in custody, you may apply in person at the Court Check-In Window. It is located on the 3rd floor of the Justice Center at 1120 Southwest 3rd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204. 
  • The window is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Additional Information