Law Offices of the Public Defender, Second Judicial Circuit of Florida

Our Organization and Mission:

The Office of the Public Defender, Second Judicial Circuit provides legal representation for indigent individuals accused of criminal offenses. The Second Judicial Circuit encompasses six Florida counties: Leon, Gadsden, Liberty, Jefferson, Wakulla and Franklin.

Each fiscal year, the Second Judicial Circuit represents indigent clients in both criminal trial and criminal appeal appointments, equating to nearly 16,500 criminal cases for six (6) Florida counties and over 1,100 cases on appeal for the 32 counties that make up the First District Court of Appeal.

The Office of Public Defender came into existence in 1963 following the United States Supreme Court's landmark decision in Gideon v. Wainwright. The Court ruled that indigent citizens have the fundamental right to the assistance of counsel under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Under the direction of Public Defender Jessica J. Yeary, the office is comprised of dedicated criminal defense attorneys, investigators, social workers and support staff who work tirelessly to ensure equal justice for all.