Court Appointed Attorney
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Eligibility
Persons who are charged with a crime and who cannot afford to hire an attorney may request the court appoint an attorney at state expense. In addition, a court appointed attorney may be requested in a juvenile dependency (abuse or neglect), termination of parental rights, or juvenile delinquency proceeding.
Persons who are involved in a civil proceeding, such as domestic relations matter, personal injury, landlord / tenant, bankruptcy and employment cases are not eligible for legal representation at state expense.
A person is financially eligible for court appointed attorney at state expense if the person is "unable to retain adequate counsel without substantial hardship in providing basic economic necessities to the person or the person’s dependent family". The court shall order individuals with sufficient financial resources to pay in full or in part the administrative costs of determining eligibility and the anticipated costs of representation. A verification specialist will review the application for court appointed attorney to determine a person’s financial eligibility. Their recommendation will sent to the judge for ruling.
Application Process
If you would like to apply for court appointed attorney you will need to complete an Affidavit of Eligibility at the time of your arraignment. Depending on your financial situation, the court may order a $20.00 application fee and an additional contribution amount.
Additional Links
ORS 151.485
ORS 151.487