Public Defender for People Who Cannot Afford a Lawyer in Berks County
The Berks County Public Defender's Office provides lawyers to people charged with crimes who cannot afford to hire an attorney, including juveniles charged with delinquency. Its attorneys handle juvenile delinquency cases, preliminary hearings, state trials, appeals, parole proceedings, extradition, and any situation where representation is constitutionally required. The office also provides legal counsel to people who are subject to mental health commitment proceedings.
Representation is for indigent people, meaning people without the money to pay for a lawyer. Everyone who asks for Public Defender representation must provide financial information, under verification, on a written application. Once the Public Defender is satisfied that the person is indigent, the office provides counsel.
If you are not in custody and want to apply for legal representation, you can apply in person between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online using the "Online Application to Apply for a Public Defender" link on the office's page at berkspa.gov/departments/public-defender. Instructions for the online application are also posted in Spanish on that page. If you are in custody, the office takes applications at the Berks County Jail System.
The office is on the 12th floor of the Berks County Courthouse, 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601. The phone number is 610-478-6650 and the fax number is 610-478-6673. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the courthouse is closed on holidays. The Chief Public Defender is Keith A. McConnell.
For health and safety reasons, the office temporarily allows only applicants and clients to enter. The page does not say how long a decision on an application takes, and it does not say whether there is any cost, so ask when you apply.
Source: berkspa.gov/departments/public-defender, read September 18, 2026.
The details
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The Berks County Public Defender after being satisfied that the person is indigent shall provide counsel.
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Every person that requests Berks County Public Defender representation shall provide, under verification, financial information on a written application.
In Berks County Public Defender’s words
The mission of the Public Defender is to provide responsible representation of indigent persons charged with crimes, including juveniles charged with delinquency. The Berks County Public Defender’s Office also provides legal counsel to persons subject to mental health commitment proceedings.
En español: la página del proveedor →
Organization
Berks County Public Defender
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This listing summarizes publicly available information from berkspa.gov/departments/public-defender. Last recorded review: September 18, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.