200 W. State, Room 203
Paxton, IL 60957
Public Defender: Harvey Welch
Contact: (217) 379-9412
Email: fordcountypublicdefender@fordcounty.illinois.gov
Office Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday–Friday
Our goal is to provide high-quality legal representation to all individuals who qualify for our services, regardless of their ability to pay.
Services provided include:
- Legal representation for individuals charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses in Ford County Circuit Court
- Representation in juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Assistance with bond hearings, arraignments, pre-trial motions, and trials
- Representation in involuntary commitment (mental health) hearings
- Post-conviction and appellate consultation as authorized by law
- Advice regarding constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent
Eligibility
Representation by the Public Defender’s Office is available to individuals who are financially unable to retain private counsel, as determined by the Court. If you have been charged with a criminal offense and believe you may qualify, please advise the Court at your first appearance, and a financial eligibility screening will be completed.
As the Public Defender, it is our primary responsibility to ensure that every client receives a vigorous and competent defense as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 8 of the Illinois Constitution. We are committed to upholding the presumption of innocence and protecting the rights of every individual we represent.
Note:
The Public Defender’s Office cannot provide legal advice to individuals who are not clients. If you are seeking legal guidance and do not qualify for our services, please contact the Illinois State Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-922-8757.
As of January 1, 2024, all requests for public defender appointment must be submitted through the Ford County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at the time of arraignment or as directed by the presiding judge.