The attorney filling this position will act as court-appointed counsel representing indigent people in the courts of Cowlitz County. The Office of Public Defense represents people charged with criminal law violations in Superior Court (both adult and juvenile) and in District Court.  The Office of Public Defense also represents juveniles on civil matters in Juvenile Court; represents adults in civil matters in Superior Courts under the Involuntary Treatment Act.; and represents qualifying adults and children in petitions filed under the Uniform Guardianship Act. The attorney may represent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including first appearance, arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation and investigation, plea negotiations, trial and sentencing.  The attorney may also represent clients on probation violations. The attorney may be assigned to represent indigent clients in involuntary commitment; At Risk Youth/Child in Need of Services and truancy; Uniform Guardianship Act (UGA), therapeutic courts; and dependency proceedings.

For more information, including how to apply, click here.