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Online Public Defender Application For Representation Instructions

Online Public Defender Application For Representation Instructions

To Applicant:

  1. The Application has English & Spanish versions.
  2. You must submit the application at least 2 business days prior to your scheduled hearing.
  3. Please answer every question. If a question does not apply to you then answer no.
  4. You must submit the following financial information, if applicable
    1. Your current paystub;
    2. Your current bank statement;
    3. Your spouse’s current paystub;
    4. Your Social Security Disability statement;
    5. Your Social Security statement or Unemployment statement;
    6. Your spouse’s Social Security Disability statement;
    7. Your Spouse’s Social Security statement or Unemployment statement.
  5. DO NOT EMAIL ANY OF THE ABOVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION.  Please fax the financial information to 610-478-6673 or mail to: Office of the Public Defender, Courthouse, 12th Floor, 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601.
  6. If you receive new charges, you must complete a new application.
  7. It is your responsibility to contact the Public Defender’s Office at 610-478-6650 after submitting the application to see if you were approved.
  8. Please PRINT your name & date where indicated on the application.

Completing an Application Information

Complete Application Using a Computer

  • Desktop Computer user recommendation:
    • "Download Adobe Reader or another pdf reader to view PDF documents. NOTE: Adobe Reader is a free pdf reader and is only listed as a suggestion. Any pdf reader should work.
  • Save the pdf document to your desktop or fill out the application online.
    • "Right-click the on the document link, then click "Save Target As". The document can then be saved to your computer.
    • Open the document from where you saved it on your desktop. The document will open in the Adobe Reader application (or whichever pdf reader you have).
    • Application can be filled out at this time or while on-line.
    • Use your gmail, aol account to attach the saved application and then send application to the pd email listed below.
    • Public Defender's email: pd@countyofberks.com or fax to 610-478-6673.
    • Please note that there may be other documents needed to process your application. Please make sure you use a valid phone number so we can reach you if needed.
    • Call the office to make sure we have received your application.

If you have issues completing the form, please contact our office at 610-478-6650. Thank you.

Mobile Device (Phones, Tablets) Recommendations:

  • Mobile Device (phones/tablets) recommendation:
    • "Download Adobe Acrobat Reader" to view documents in PDF format from wherever you download apps for your mobile devices.
    • Use "Google Chrome" web browser.  Can also be downloaded from wherever you download your apps.
  • Go to the Online Application to Apply for a Public Defender page on the Public Defender's website.
    • Click on the document link to open it.
    • Once the document is open, look to the bottom of the screen to see "Open with".
    • You will have several choices, but choose a pdf reader (i.e., Adobe Reader).
    • The document opens with fillable fields and working buttons at the bottom of the page.
    • Complete the application and send it to the Public Defender's by email to pd@countyofberks.com or fax to 610-478-6673.

If you have issues completing the form, please contact our office at 610-478-6650.  Thank you.