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Chicago of Chicago
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volunteers from the Cook County Public Defender's Office pose for photo
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People at Court
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Office leadership
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Swearing In
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Community outreach at Chicago's Fiesta del Sol 2023
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Assistant Public Defender consults with her client in a courtroom
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Pride Parade
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Assistant Public Defender consults with his client in a courtroom
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volunteers from the Cook County Public Defender's Office participate at Freedom Defense Camp in Roseland
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Public Defender staff carrying signs in 2023 Bud Billiken parade

Cook County Public Defender

90+ years of protecting your rights

Key Facts Arrest Hotline Court Date Reminders ICE - Know Your Rights

Our Mission:

We protect the fundamental rights, liberties and dignity of each person whose case has been entrusted to us by providing the finest legal representation.

Arrest Hotline

Find Your Public Defender

Court Date Information

Jail and Prison Search Tools

Know Your Rights: ICE Raids & Enforcement

Everyone in Cook County, regardless of immigration status, has constitutional rights—learn what to do if approached by ICE or immigration agents. Visit the Know Your Rights page to download flyers in multiple languages with vital information.

Visit the Know Your Rights page

Know Your Rights

About Our Arrest Hotline: 844-817-4448

  • If you or someone you know is arrested, it's important to know your rights.
  • Do not talk to the police. Anyone in police custody has the right to remain silent.
  • Call 844-817-4448 and we will send an expert attorney to the police station to represent you for free.
  • The Arrest Hotline serves Chicago and all of Cook County, Illinois. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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Reads: Know your rights. Arrest Hotline (844) 817-4448. Call 24/7 for a free lawyer.

In the News

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Court Closures Friday, June 12, 2026

On Friday, June 12, 2026, the Markham Courthouse, the Bridgeview Courthouse, and Branch 35 & 38 (Pullman - 111th St.) are closed due to power outages.

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June 11th Court Closures Due to Power Outage

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Law Office Provides Testimony Supporting Supreme Court Rule Change to Allow Faster Review of Decisions Transferring Children to Adult Criminal Court

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Public Defense Goes to the Capitol

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