You have the right to have an attorney represent you on any criminal charge. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may qualify for the appointment of a public defender. To find out if you qualify, you must interview by phone, online or in-person at the King County District Court - Bellevue Division.
Ways to obtain a public defender
- By Phone: Call 425-647-2412 Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. If you reach the screening office’s voicemail, please leave a message and a screener will return your call.
- Online: Complete and submit the indigency screening form at any time. A screener will contact you with the results.
- In-Person: Screening occurs Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the King County District Court – Bellevue Division, 1309 114th Ave. SE, Suite 100 in Bellevue. Download, print and complete the indigency screening form prior to arrival. You are required to bring your picture ID, your case information and your completed form. Failure to do so will delay your application.
For any questions regarding the process, please contact the public defender screener at publicdefense@bellevuewa.gov or 425-647-2412.
Please Note: If you leave a message or use the online form outside of the regular screening days, a screener will reach out to you the following Monday or Tuesday.
Public Defenders
Hussein Karmali
8201 164th Ave. NE, #200
Redmond
425-629-6300
Stein, Lotzkar, & Starr
2840 Northup Way, #140
Bellevue
425-576-0026
Repayment for Public Defender Services (Recoupment Fee)
Recoupment fees are paid to the City Of Bellevue for providing public defender services.
- To find out your balance, call 425-452-6829.
- To pay over the phone, call Service First at 425-452-6800.
- To pay in person, go to City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue.
- Received a collections letter? Call Payment Solutions at 425-882-4800 or pay your bill online
Please note, court fines and recoupment fees are separate charges. If you have paid court fines, that does not mean the recoupment fee has also been paid. Likewise if you've paid recoupment fees, you still may owe court fines.