Public Defenders Office

Verified

Criminal Defense Lawyer

3.3(47 Google reviews)

601 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201

Information last updated October 7, 2026

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense

About Public Defenders Office

The Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) provides legal representation to indigent citizens accused of or convicted of crimes throughout Missouri. Established in 1972, the system operates statewide, encompassing a Trial Division and specialized areas such as the Capital Division, Appellate/Post-Conviction Division, Commitment Defense Unit, Children's Defense Team, Parole Revocation Defense Team, and Strike Force.

MSPD employs approximately 700 individuals, including around 395 dedicated attorneys, supported by legal staff, investigators, mitigation specialists, and administrative personnel. In Fiscal Year 2024, the system provided high-quality representation in 91,442 total cases. The Trial Division handles a range of cases from misdemeanors to murders, bond hearings, and jury trials. The Capital Litigation Division focuses on providing representation to individuals facing the death penalty at various court levels, while the Appellate/Post-Conviction Relief Division handles direct appeals from felony convictions, post-conviction challenges, and appeals, including those for death-row clients.

The Public Defender Commission was created in 1976 to oversee the system and appoint full-time public defenders. In 1982, the Office of State Public Defender (OSPD) was established as an independent department of the judicial branch. MSPD emphasizes training, offering in-house trial skills courses, and leverages information technology for efficient communication. The resources and expertise of the entire system are available to each of its 33 district offices.

From the firm’s website

Attorneys: Kevin O'Brien — District Defender
Tom Jacquinot — District Defender of Western Capital
Kevin Whiteley — Contract Defender
Brian Horneyer — Attorney
Ruth Petsch — District Defender
Beverly Hauber — St. Louis County Trial District Defender
Christian Lehmberg — Senior Attorney
Katelyn Young — District Defender
Sheri Nelson — District Defender
Daniel Feldman — District Defender
Ryan Williams — District Defender
Andrew Parmenter — District Defender
Services listed: Legal representation to all indigent citizens accused of or convicted of crimes, Commitment Defense Unit, Children's Defense Team, Parole Revocation Defense Team
Founded: 1972
Fees: By Missouri state law, the Public Defender must charge a fee for public defender services.
Offices: 601 E. Walnut, Columbia, MO 65201
Woodrail Centre – 1000 West Nifong, Building 7, Suite 100 – Columbia, MO 65203
1010 Market Street Suite 1340, St. Louis, MO 63101
905 East George Street, Kirksville, MO 63501
305 North Market Street, Maryville, MO 64468
Awards & recognition: 2024 Defender of Distinction
2024 Office of the Year
Charles Shaw Trial Advocacy Award
Missouri Lawyers Media Women's Justice Award for Public Service
WashU Law Clinical Education Program 50th Anniversary Award
2024 David J. Dixon Appellate Advocacy Award

Source: publicdefender.mo.gov · checked October 7, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.

Hours of Operation

Monday: 8 AM–5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM–5 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM–5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM–5 PM
Friday: 8 AM–5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Photos

Details & Amenities

Highlights

Appointments recommended

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible parking lot

Public Defenders Office — Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Public Defenders Office located?+

Public Defenders Office is located at 601 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201. Use the "Get Directions" link on this page to navigate there.

What kind of cases does Public Defenders Office handle?+

Public Defenders Office handles Criminal Defense. Confirm that they cover your specific legal matter during your first consultation.

How do I contact Public Defenders Office?+

Call Public Defenders Office at (573) 447-8087 or visit their website. Many firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.

Is Public Defenders Office well rated?+

Public Defenders Office has a 3.3-star rating based on 47 Google reviews. Ratings are sourced from Google and shown for reference.

Client Reviews

8 reviews

Tim Wright· via Google
Finally found out that the attorney assigned to me left about a year ago but only after about 7 months going to court and wasting everyone's time and energy. This is simply ridiculous and wasteful.
5 years ago
Brenda Jones· via Google
We all need someone and I have had a public defender representation and is thankful for their services..S.Spivey
a year ago
SaSa Duff· via Google
I had heard all the nightmare stories, so when I needed to use them I got scared. Turns out that there are some really good lawyers, mine kept me up to date, checked on me, and fought really hard for me. Case was dismissed Thank you!
8 years ago
Dave Armstrong· via Google
I don't get my calls returned so I know what's going on. I would like to know something before go to court in few days. I have to be thete but I don't know anything from my attorney. Just that have to be in court in few days. Seems that he'd let me know what's going on and what to expect when go. Good or bad I'd like to know. So plans can be made with work n my cat . bills have too so can at least have then autopaid for me.
6 years ago
Marissa Atteberry· via Google
I got a letter a few weeks ago about my state tax return being intercepted for public defender fees… The letter directed me to call this number and if I wanted to appeal it, I could send it to the address in the letter… Once I called, They transferred me to a gentleman Who is very helpful and told me what I needed to do to appeal the process… He said they had 15 days to respond so when I sent the letter, I made sure I did certified mail… I called today And the lady who answered the phone was completely snotty and rude and told me I did my appeal wrong. I had to go get a notarized letter to present to the judge… I told her it doesn't even state that in the letter and that's not what I was told last time… She ended up hanging up on me… When I called back she says I have to speak to somebody in the billing department and I asked if she would transfer me because that's what they did when the first time I called… She was in again rude to me and refused to transfer me at all or help me with any information… She had me so upset. I got out of pocket and called her a name… If that's the kind of people you have running your phones, you should definitely find someone better… Because they never know what someone is going through… I will proceed until the lady who is rude to me gets the repercussions she deserves…
a year ago
Charisma Taylor· via Google
doent answer the phone and when they do they're rude and I cant get ahold of my attorney because he never answers or doesn't want to talk.
2 months ago
Devin Mckie· via Google
Won't pick up the phone. Definitely do not trust these public defenders. Quick to hand you over to the DA
4 months ago
Kody Zabriskie· via Google
I can't speak for prior attorneys but I can however speak for a current one his name is Carter Phillips and in my opinion he is probably the best public defender that I have ever had I've had the best and the worst and this kid has some fight in him, he's not afraid to piss anyone off, now that may change in the future but as for now his my wild card pick
4 months ago

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