Public Defender

Welcome to the York County Public Defender's Office. Our office is dedicated to providing high quality and effective legal representation to indigent adults and minors in the County of York who are charged with criminal offenses and contempt proceedings in which they could face loss of liberty.

At present, the office is staffed by the Chief Public Defender, the First Assistant, three Chief Deputy Public Defenders, four Senior Assistant Public Defenders, and 16  Assistant Public Defenders.  The Office has a trial unit, an appellate unit, a juvenile unit, a Preliminary Hearing unit, and a Wellness Court attorney

Chief Public Defender Bruce P. Blocher has worked in the office since 1991 and has been Chief since 1996 when he was appointed by the York County Commissioners. He has spent his time in the office tirelessly working to provide representation to indigent defendants. Chief Public Defender Bruce Blocher received his undergraduate degree from the Pennsylvania State University and his law degree from Oklahoma City University.

For information about who qualifies for representation by the Public Defender's Office and how and when you can apply, please see the links below.