Montgomery County Public Defender

04/23/2026

Standing in solidarity.

Today our team wore black to support the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office and offices across the country facing a stark lack of sufficient resources to meaningfully represent their clients.

We are grateful to the Montgomery County Commissioners for their continued investment in our office, support that has helped lower caseloads and strengthen representation for our clients. That commitment matters.

But the reality is bigger than any one county. Across the country, public defender offices face chronic underfunding and overwhelming caseloads that threaten the constitutional right to counsel. Pennsylvania was the 49th state to provide any state-level funding for public defense. Even now, that funding, just $7.5 million spread across 67 counties, falls far short of what is needed.

Public defense is not optional. It is a constitutional mandate and a cornerstone of a fair justice system. We will continue to advocate for our clients, for our colleagues, and for a system that lives up to its promises.

03/18/2026

On March 18, 1963 the Supreme Court in Gideon v. Wainwright affirmed the fundamental right to counsel in criminal courts. Today, we celebrate our Adult and Juvenile Division defenders that carry that legacy forward every day, standing up for justice, fairness, and due process in our community. Let’s hear it for public defenders everywhere, especially this incredible team!

03/08/2026

02/22/2026

All County courts, buildings, and facilities are closed tomorrow, Monday, 2/23, due to inclement weather. ❄️

When the Courthouse is closed, all scheduled matters — both in person and virtual will be rescheduled for a later date by Chambers or Court Administration.

02/20/2026

Back to school! Deputy Drossner is talking guidelines, lapse, decay and POGs with the Pretrial team

02/13/2026

When the Defense Squad coordinates: Twinsies 👯

12/26/2025

The current Montgomery County Code Blue declaration has been officially EXTENDED, now ending Monday, December 29th, 2025 at 9:00 AM. Anyone calling in reporting literal street homelessness can be referred/directed to the following shelters:

Norristown:
- Single Adults:
- Haws Avenue Methodist Church
- 800 West Marshall Street, Norristown, PA 19401
- 8 PM - 8 AM
- Can accommodate small pets (need crate/carrier)
- St. John's Episcopal Church ‼️WILL NOT BE OPERATING 12/25 - 12/29‼️
- 520 Church Street, Norristown, PA 19401
- Families:
- Norristown Salvation Army
- 533 Swede Street, Norristown, PA 19401
- Enter before 10 PM
- Large metal door is the main entryway; must be able to manage 12-15 stairs for entry

Pottstown:
- Single Adults:
- Adult Pottstown Residents – Beacon of Hope
- Must be a Pottstown resident and registered at Christ’s Episcopal Church
- 316 E High St, Pottstown, PA 19464 between 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
- There is a shuttle that transfers individuals from Christ’s Episcopal Church to the shelter which rotates to a different church location month to month
- Families:
- Pottstown Salvation Army
- 137 King Street, Pottstown, PA 19464
- Door is on the side of the building
- Enter before 9 PM

Lansdale:
- Single Men Only:
- Trinity Lutheran Church
- 1000 West Main Street, Lansdale, PA, 18964
- Opens 8 PM - 8 AM
- Single Women Only:
- Wissahickon Park Building
- 765 East Main Street, Lansdale, PA 18964
- Opens 8 PM - 8 AM

Lower Merion:
- Single Men Only (5 beds) - Rotating Locations:
- Our Mother of Good Counsel (December 1st - December 31st)
- 31 Pennswood Road, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.

Upper Perkiomen:
- Single Men Only:
- Upper Perk Homelessness Coalition
- 777 Main St Pennsburg-Pennsburg United Church of Christ, Annex Building
- 8 PM - 8 AM

These shelters are first-come/first-serve basis and everyone should be reminded that the shelter stay is only provided during the Code Blue night. Then, they will be asked to leave during the day and they will be asked to leave once the Code Blue declaration has ended.

Thank you!

12/19/2025

A few snaps from this years annual Holiday Party, where we celebrated our team and the remarkable career of John Pavloff, who’s retiring after 45 years in law and three impactful years with us. As defenders, we may never truly rest, but we do know how to have fun—wishing you and yours light, joy, and peace this holiday season!

12/17/2025

‘Tis the season to make every child feel merry, bright, and seen.

Every year our Social Sevice Unit organizes a drive to support youth in Montgomery County represented by both our Child Advocacy Unit and our Delinquency unit. Our advocates know first hand how hard the holidays can be for children separated from their loved ones and these moments of joy and connection are priceless.

Today MCYC residents were treated to Chic-Fil-A lunch and gifted some winter essentials, candy, and games to enjoy throughout the year. Other gifts were delivered by an exceptional CAU advocate to children far away from home.

11/29/2025

🚨 CODE BLUE ALERT 🚨

A Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency has been declared in Montgomery County from Wednesday, November 26 at 9:00 p.m. through Monday, December 1 at 9:00 a.m.

During this period, temperatures or wind chills are expected to be at or below 32°F for two or more hours — creating dangerous conditions for anyone without shelter.

If you or someone you know needs emergency shelter, call the Your Way Home Call Center at 610-278-3522.