Public Defender's Office

The Public Defender’s Office is located on the 2nd floor of the Robert M. Foster Justice Center.

Public Defender Contact Information
Phone – (904) 548-4750
TTD/TTY – Dial 711
Mailing Address: 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, Florida 32097

ADA

ADA Information

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled to the provision of certain assistance at no cost to you. Please contact the ADA Coordinator at (904)-548-4600 (press 0 when prompted) at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

ADA Contact Information

Phone – (904) 548-4917
Fax – (904) 548-4949
TTD/TTY – Dial 711
E-Mail – ADA@nassauclerk.com

About Nassau County Public Defender Offices

The Nassau County Public Defender Office provide legal representation to defendants who face incarceration and cannot afford an attorney in Nassau County, FL. The U.S. Constitution guarantees individuals the right to have an attorney, regardless of financial means. The Nassau County Public Defender ensures the right to legal representation.

You may contact the Public Defender for questions about:

  • Legal representation in Nassau County, Florida
  • Criminal defense services and assigned counsel
  • Nassau County Legal Aid, Bar Association and Defender Association
  • The 6th Amendment and the Right to Counsel
  • Free legal advice

Nassau County Legal Representation

The American Bar Association, the National Legal Aid and Defender Association, and several other professional organizations have established professional guidelines for indigent defense services in Nassau County, Florida. The guidelines consist of standards and practices to ensure that Nassau County indigent defense services are independent from interference and that defendants receive timely and quality representation.

Free Legal Services

In addition to representing indigent defendants, Nassau County Public Attorney Offices may also provide legal services to juveniles in juvenile delinquency proceedings. In addition, Public Defenders in Nassau County commonly represent individuals involved in mental health proceedings, conservatorship proceedings, or whose mental capacity is challenged.

Nassau County Public Defenders

Local Public Defense Offices generally serve individuals who are charged with a crime against municipal ordinances or misdemeanors, while felonies are referred to the Nassau County or Florida Public Defender’s Offices.

Florida State Public Defender Offices

State Public Defender Offices in Florida are led by the Public Defender Commission. Their offices are established as independent agencies in order to allow them to operate with minimal influence from other agencies, though many states also have Public Defender Commissions that direct policy. Florida State Public Defender Offices utilize a combination of staff attorneys, support staff, and appointed private attorneys.

Federal Public Defender

Federal Public Defenders in Nassau County, Florida are organized by U.S. Districts under the judicial branch of government. However, Chief Federal Public Defenders are appointed by the court of appeals rather than by the U.S. Districts. This is intended to provide the Federal Public Defender with some insulation from the Nassau County District Courts. Federal Public Defenders are appointed to four-year terms.