Filing a Complaint

Filing a complaint about Public Defender

The following procedures are employed by Snohomish County Office of Public Defense in responding to complaints regarding attorney representation.

Defendants with concerns about the course of their representation should discuss those concerns directly with their assigned attorney. Defendants represented by the Public Defender Association may also contact the Director at the Public Defender’s Association. Phone: 425-339-6300.

Defendant can also contact the Attorney Administrator at the Snohomish County Office of Public Defense. Phone: 425-388-3500. The complaint will be considered if it cannot be resolved in direct discussion with the defendant’s attorney.

It is the responsibility of the defendants themselves to register any complaint regarding the course of their representation. Except in the case of a defendant with developmental disability or mental illness, or in the case of a client under the age of 18, complaints will not be accepted from friends or family members.

Complaints must be in writing and must detail the problem the defendant is experiencing. Defendants who are not in custody must provide a mailing address.

Upon receipt of a complaint, an investigation will be conducted. Upon completion of the investigation, a written response will be sent to the defendant.

Address Complaints to:

Attorney Administrator, Snohomish County Office of Public Defense
3000 – Rockefeller, MS 209, Everett, WA 98201