The DuPage County Public Defender's Office represents individuals charged with a criminal offense in DuPage County. The representation begins only after the accused person requests the appointment of counsel by the Court, is shown to be indigent by filing an affidavit of assets and liabilities, and the Court in a written order directs that person is to be represented by the Public Defender's Office. The office is staffed by 27 licensed attorneys, and also support staff.

Clients on bond are generally interviewed by investigators employed by the Public Defender's Office. Clients in custody are interviewed by the assigned Public Defender attorney, or by a Public Defender investigator.

Clients do not have a personal choice in the selection of counsel; Public Defenders are assigned by courtrooms. All conversations between a client and a Public Defender investigator, or an assigned attorney, are protected by the attorney-client privilege.

Such representation is also available for those persons named as a party in juvenile delinquency or neglect actions in juvenile court, persons subject to mental health commitment actions, and paternity cases. Public Defender representation is not available for those facing non-jailable village ordinances or petty traffic offenses.