Clark County’s Indigent Defense Office provides the courts with attorneys to represent indigent persons in some types of state and county court cases -- primarily criminal, probation violation, juvenile offender, involuntary commitment and dependency cases. The majority of attorney services are provided by lawyers or law firms under contract with the county. The attorneys meet state qualification standards.
Persons who are the subject of the types of cases listed above must financially qualify for the appointment of an indigent defense attorney. Clark County courts determine whether a person qualifies.
The county’s Indigent Defense Coordinator is responsible for promoting the professional independence and integrity of the indigent defense system, and fulfilling the county’s obligation to provide quality, independent counsel to those who qualify for appointment of counsel at county expense. Clients of indigent defense attorneys who have concerns or complaints are encouraged to complete a “Client Complaint Form.” PDF Version: "Client Complaint Form" For time-sensitive matters, please contact Ann Christian, Indigent Defense Coordinator, at (360) 397-2256 or ann.christian@clark.wa.gov.
The Indigent Defense Coordinator and her staff are located on the lower level of the Clark County Auto Licensing and Elections building, located at: 1408 Franklin Street, Room 106. The mailing address for the Indigent Defense Office is: PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000.
If you need an attorney to represent you in a criminal or juvenile court matter, but the court determines that you are not financially eligible for appointed counsel, the court has a “Near Indigent” list of attorneys who will provide legal representation in some cases on a reduced fee basis. In addition, the Clark County Bar Association’s Modest Means Program may be of assistance. Go to http://www.ccbawashington.com and click on “Modest Means.”
If you need assistance with a civil case (for example, divorce, landlord/tenant, employment), the following websites may be helpful.
Washington LawHelp at: http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/WA/index.cfm;
Northwest Justice Project at: http://www.nwjustice.org/; or
NJP's Vancouver office: 500 W. 8th, Suite 275; 1-888-201-1014 and;
Clark County Bar Association’s Modest Means Program at the email address listed above.
Indigent Defense Mission: To ensure effective and cost-efficient legal representation is available to persons who are eligible for appointed counsel, consistent with the Washington and United States Constitutions, laws and national standards of justice.
Contacts: Ann Christian, Indigent Defense Coordinator, (360) 397-2256
Sandy Ohman, Assistant to the Coordinator, (360) 397-2333
