Public Defender Police Station Representation

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

In April 2018, the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender created a Police Station Representation Unit (PSRU), comprised of attorneys who travel to police stations and advocate for individuals who are being held in custody. There is no more important point in a criminal case where someone needs a defense attorney than the point of arrest. The attorneys in the PSRU are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide free legal representation to anyone who is arrested and detained by law enforcement in Cook County. Arrestees and/or their family and friends can make a toll-free call to 1-844-81-RIGHT and an attorney will be dispatched to the police station to assist the individual in asserting his or her rights. In addition to providing legal representation, the PSRU attorneys follow-up with clients and their families and are able to provide information about programs and services that are available in the local community. Since the PSRU was established in April 2018 and through January 2020, PSRU attorneys have made a total of 1,680 visits to police stations. Of those, 206 adults and 91 juveniles were released without criminal charges.