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.
Upcoming Events
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22Aug 2025
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Cuyahoga County Success Fair
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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Cuyahoga County Success Fair
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29Aug 2025
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NORA Expungement Clinic
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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NORA Expungement Clinic
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11Sep 2025
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In The Neighborhood
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
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In The Neighborhood
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20Sep 2025
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In The Neighborhood
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
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In The Neighborhood

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