Section IV - Services of Other Officials and Agencies

Public Defender

Public Defender, Howard Finkelstein
954-831-8650 (Felony Division)
954-831-8680 (Juvenile Division)
954-831-8690 (Misdemeanor Division)
www.browarddefender.org

Broward County Courthouse, North Wing
201 S.E. 6th St., Suite 3872
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

North Regional Courthouse
954-831-1420

South Regional Courthouse
954-831-0383

West Regional Courthouse
954-831-2366

The Public Defender’s Office is charged with the responsibility of representing persons charged in criminal cases who cannot afford to hire a private attorney for legal counsel. According to Florida law, the services of the Public Defender’s Office are limited to persons who are found indigent by the Clerk of Court. A person seeking the assignment of the public defender must fill out an application with the Clerk of Court. The cost of the application is $40.00. The affidavit questions the person’s ability to afford private legal counsel. If the Clerk determines the person’s finances meet the criteria for appointment, a public defender is assigned to the case. The Public Defender’s Office handles capital and non-capital felony cases, as well as misdemeanor cases, juvenile cases and involuntary commitment cases.

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