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"By defending the poor, we uphold the law. By upholding the law, we defend the public." Bill White The Office of the Public Defender is not funded, staffed or authorized to handle civil matters. Civil matters include divorce, child custody, personal injury or other lawsuits, landlord-tenant disputes, contract issues or disputes over real or personal property. An indigent person who needs help on civil matters may be able to receive legal assistance from Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. They can be contacted at (904) 356-8371, or through their website: www.jaxlegalaid.org
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The Public Defender protects the constitutional and statutory rights of all citizens through the effective legal representation of court appointed clients in criminal cases and mental health commitment proceedings. The objective of this office is to provide ethical and competent legal representation and public service within the framework and guidelines established by the United States Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Florida, Florida Statute, Rules of Court and Rules of the Florida Bar.