Eligibility
Not everyone is entitled to a public defender.
First, you must be facing possible jail or prison time. Under Missouri law, those crimes are the following:
- Class A Misdemeanor (up to one year in jail) and Class B Misdemeanor (up to six months in jail)
- All Felonies (A, B, C, D, & E) – prison time
Second, you must be “indigent” (another word for poor). Please refer to the table below for maximum income according to 2024 guidelines. If close or in doubt, you should apply. Although the first determination is made by MSPD, judges can still order a public defender be appointed.
| Family Size | Annual Income (Monthly Income) |
| 1 | $22,590 ($1,883) |
| 2 | $30,660 ($2,555) |
| 3 | $38,730 ($3,228) |
| 4 | $46,800 ($3,900) |
| 5 | $54,870 ($4,573) |
| 6 | $62,940 ($5,245) |
| 7 | $71,010 ($5,918) |
| 8 | $79,080 ($6,590) |
According to Missouri law and regulations: “A defendant may be considered indigent if his/her gross pay and other sources of income do not exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the federal poverty guideline as issued in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.”
Applying for a Public Defender
Click this button to apply, and do not leave any info out (if you have a email, list it)!
myMOpd Disclaimer
I (Grant Doty) created the myMOpd website for my public defender clients in St. Francois County, Missouri. I created it because I believe strongly that my clients can also benefit from such information online (just like individuals facing criminal charges who can pay for an attorney who might have such a website).
While I am pleased and flattered if others use this web-app, including non-clients, it is important to understand that unless you’ve (1) applied for the services of a public defender, (2) been approved for a public defender, and (3) I’ve “entered my appearance” in your criminal matter as your public defender, I am not your attorney.
However, if you have recently been arrested or charged with a felony, a misdemeanor likely to result in confinement, or have a probation violation case, you will likely be entitled to have an attorney appointed if you can’t afford one. And the sooner you apply for a public defender, the better. You do not need to wait to have your first court appearance before a judge to apply for a public defender.
If your case is in St. Francois County, I may be assigned as your attorney. But again, until I enter my appearance, I am not your attorney.
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