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Washtenaw County Public Defender
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The Washtenaw County Office of Public Defender was established in 1971 by our Board of Commissioners with the aid of a federal grant requiring that the department be an integral part of the executive branch of county government and independent of the judiciary. Since that time, the Office has become a full and equal partner in the public safety and justice system within the county and is represented in all relevant programming, policy or procedural committees. It handles all criminal, juvenile and special civil law appointments and provides a wide array of services related to:
- Bond reduction hearings
- Diversions
- Extraditions
- Friend of the Court matters
- Line-ups
- Personal protection orders
- Probation violations
- Response to legal questions from the public
Legal Representation
The Office partners with businesses, non-profits, schools, churches and other units of government to prevent crime and enhance public safety by rendering top quality legal representation as needed to enforce constitutionally mandated public defense competently, effectively, efficiently, ethically and vigorously in all criminal, juvenile and civil law appointments in order to achieve justice where rights are protected, due process is received fairly and equally, rehabilitation is effective, recidivism is reduced and re-entry into society as law-abiding and productive residents is realized.
The outcome sought for everyone is to have a safe and just society where in addition to the prevention of racial profiling, domestic violence and the neglect or abuse of children, there are also viable resources available to ensure that those in need receive:
- Appropriate mental health treatment
- Diversion from incarceration without any compromise to safety
- Locally based substance abuse treatment and services
- Educational and training opportunities for gainful employment
- Adequate housing within a community that has put an end to homelessness
Attorneys
Our department is also comprised of dedicated career attorneys who operate as well trained, experienced and coordinated teams with full parity in salaries with prosecutors and, most importantly, one that meets all of the Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System established or adopted by the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, the Michigan Campaign for Justice and the Michigan Public Defense Task Force. At any given time, the Office is further augmented with many select volunteer attorneys plus an average of 60 to 80 volunteer select student lawyers and investigators from law schools and universities throughout the country.
Justice System Improvement
In addition to reducing the cost of doing business while providing top quality service, our Office forever seeks to improve the justice system whereby the double tragedy never occurs in our jurisdiction of having an innocent person convicted and punished while the guilty person escapes penalty altogether and remains free to continue to abuse, harm and endanger the community.
Thanks again for the visit to our website. Check out our staff photos. Do feel free to contact us when you need help because we are here to serve you.
Delphia T. Simpson, County Public Defender
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Stuff The Bus-Save the Date
Save the Date for the 15th Annual Stuff the Bus Event! Read on... -
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What to know about COVID-19 in Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County is currently at a "high" COVID-19 community level according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wear a mask in indoor public settings; vaccination and boosters recommended for everyone eligible. Read on... -
Commissioners Adopt Community Violence Interruption Policy Framework; Invite Cities and Townships to
Last night, the Board of Commissioners heard from and unanimously accepted a list of recommendations from a community group working to address gun violence and set a clear goal of saving lives by stopping violence. Read on... -
Sheriff Clayton re-appointed to the Michigan Black Leadership Advisory Council
LANSING, Mich. — Monday April 26, 2022, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the re-appointment of Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry L. Clayton to the Michigan Black Leadership Advisory Council. Read on... -
2022 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
This week is 2022 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. During this week we promote victims’ rights and honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. Read on... -
Advisory: Avian Influenza Confirmed in Washtenaw County Birds
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in birds in Washtenaw County. No human illness has been identified. Sick or dead birds can be reported to the state. Read on... -
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Health Department Regular Clinical Services Resuming
On Monday, April 4, the Health Department will be back to providing clinical services at a “normal,” pre-COVID capacity. Read on... -
Board Approved Community Priority Fund for Organizations Serving 48197 & 48198 Application Launches
Washtenaw County government has launched a new portal for organizations to apply for the newly approved Community Priority Fund (CPF). The goal of the CPF is to equitably invest in under-resourced communities by supporting service organizations. Read on... -
Congratulations Jaclyn Bates, Samuel M. Stephenson Sanitarian of the Year
The Sanitarian of the Year award recognizes outstanding service to MEHA and the environmental health profession. Read on... -
Washtenaw County Health Department Releases 2020 Annual Report
This report highlights the initial phases of our COVID-19 pandemic response from January - December 2020. Read on... -
Board of Commissioners Passes $11 Million Package to Invest in Community Health and Wellbeing
Last night, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a series of investments using funds from the county’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. Read on... -
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UPDATED: February 2nd Board of Commissioners and Working Session Meetings Canceled
The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has canceled its meetings for tomorrow (Wednesday, February 2nd) due to anticipated severe winter weather in Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan. Read on... -
Public Notice: January 19th Board of Commissioners and Working Session Meetings Canceled
The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has canceled its meetings for tonight (Wednesday, January 19th) due to high levels of COVID-19 transmission and exposures in Washtenaw County and across the state. Read on... -
Washtenaw County to Begin Comprehensive Climate Action Planning Process
The Board voted to launch a comprehensive climate action planning process. The end goal of this 12-month planning process is the creation of a climate action plan with short- and long-term recommendations for steps the county and the community can take. Read on... -
Commissioners Approve $30.5 Million Dollar Package Through the Ways and Means Committee
The Board of Commissioners passed a resolution obligating up to $30.5 million dollars for community investments through the Ways & Means Committee. This resolution will now go to the full Board of Commissioners meeting on 9/15 for a final vote. Read on... -
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*UPDATED 7/2/21* Washtenaw Declares State of Emergency in Response to Widespread and Severe Flooding
Chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners Sue Shink has declared a state of emergency in response to the widespread and severe flooding of numerous homes throughout our community caused by several days of heavy rainfall. Read on...
Contact Us
Delphia T. Simpson
Washtenaw County Public Defender
Phone / FaxPhone: 734-222-6970Fax: 734-222-6985 |
Physical Address220 E. Huron StreetFifth Floor Ann Arbor, MI 48104 |
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 8645Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645 |
HoursMonday - Friday8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. *Phones turn off at 4:30 p.m. Saturday: closed Sunday: closed |
- Who is the Public Defender for Washtenaw County?
- Who is my attorney?
- When should one be represented by a private rather than a public defender attorney?
- What is the relationship between the Public Defender and the Prosecutor?
- How can I be appointed a Public Defender on a Misdemeanor case?
- How can I get a Public Defender on a Felony case?
- What if I hire a private attorney and run out of money before the case is over?
- What if I do not have an attorney but have questions about a criminal matter?