Assigned Counsel (Public Defender)

Responsibilities & Services

The Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) is responsible for the delivery of mandated legal services to indigent persons accused of crimes in the Pierce County Superior Court; Pierce County District Courts; Municipal Courts in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Fircrest and Ruston; and Pierce County Juvenile Court delinquency proceedings. DAC also provides constitutionally mandated legal services to indigent parents involved in Juvenile Court dependency and termination proceedings and to persons detained for involuntary civil commitment proceedings at Western State Hospital and other evaluation and treatment facilities.

Our Mission

The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and administer the public defense delivery system in Pierce County in a manner that assures eligible people receive professional and effective representation while efficiently utilizing public resources.

Related Resources

• Staff Directory