Mission Statement Beginning in 1963--when the U.S. Supreme Court decided in Gideon v. Wainwright that the criminally accused are entitled to representation--states have been required to provide attorneys to indigent criminal defendants. Since then, the right to appointment of counsel has expanded into other areas of the law. In Cochise County, these services are provided by the Public Defender’s Office, whose attorneys are appointed by the Superior Courts and Justice Courts to represent indigent people facing criminal charges, juveniles in delinquency adjudication and dependency proceedings, and mental health commitments. The Public Defender is dedicated to the principles of equal opportunity under the law and fair representation. Deputies and staff are committed to practices which assist the Public Defender in achieving these principles as effectively and efficiently as possible, in a manner which upholds the dignity of our clients. Bisbee Office Felonies & Appeals Sierra Vista Office Juvenile - Delinquency & Dependency © 2010 Cochise County, Arizona