Office of the Public Defender
Providing excellent representation to protect the rights, liberties, and dignity of those who cannot afford to retain counsel in criminal, juvenile delinquency, and parental rights’ cases.
Sealing/Expunging Records
Find help with sealing/expunging adult criminal records in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
Municipal Intake Form
Please complete this form if you need an attorney in Cleveland Municipal Court.
Public Defender Staff
Contact information for Public Defender administration, attorneys, and social workers.
Know Your Rights
Your rights if stopped by the police and information on criminal, juvenile, and parental rights cases.
NORA Expungement Clinic
Do you have a criminal record and need a fresh start?
Free community event. The Cuyahoga County Public Defender will be on site as part of the Legal Clinic offering resources for sealing and expungement of criminal records, ask questions about City of Cleveland driving privileges and warrant recalls, and general criminal legal questions.
- Warrant Removal: Noon - 2 p.m.
- Expungement 1 - 3 p.m.
Download the Expungement Clinic Event Flyer
The Cuyahoga County's Public Defender's Office is welcoming students to learn about indigent defense through an immersive, day-long experience. High school students, undergraduates, law students, and recent graduates are encouraged to attend. The Shadowing Program will include brief court observation, division overviews, and a case review featuring our multi-disciplinary team approach to defense work.
Register Here