The Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to persons accused of criminal offenses. The Public Defender also represents juveniles charged in delinquency petitions and minors and parents involved in abuse and neglect cases. The attorneys in the Public Defender's Office represent indigent persons appointed by the Court. An individual charged with a criminal offense can ask the judge at their first court appearance to have the Public Defender appointed to represent them. The judge will then decide if the Public Defender will be appointed. In a juvenile case, the Public Defender will automatically be appointed to represent the parties.

Job Opportunity

The Jackson County Public Defender’s Office is accepting applications for a full-time Assistant Public Defender position.

 Applicant must be a law school graduate and licensed to practice law in Illinois. A successful applicant must have acceptable communication and organizational skills. Salary is commensurate with experience, with a range of $75,000-$90,000 per year. Qualified persons may apply by emailing or mailing a cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references to:

ATTN: Celeste Korando, Jackson County Public Defender, 1008 Locust St, Murphysboro, IL 62966:  cak@jacksonco.net   618-687-7250

Jackson County is an equal-opportunity employer. It is the policy of Jackson County to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, mental or physical disability, age, military status, marital status, unfavorable discharge from military service, order of protection status, arrest record, credit history, or any other status protected by law.