Who can get help from the Public Defender's Office?

The Public Defender's Office (PDO) provides free legal representation to people who cannot afford a private lawyer for criminal charges. However, not everyone qualifies, and some types of cases are not covered.

About the Public Defender's Office

The Public Defender's Office, under the Ministry of Law, helps people who face criminal charges but cannot hire their own lawyer due to financial difficulties. The PDO ensures that everyone has access to legal help, regardless of their income.

Who is eligible

You can get PDO help if you:

• Are a Singapore citizen or permanent resident

• Pass the means test: Your household income is below $1,600 per month and your assets are below $1,500

• Pass the merits test: There are reasonable grounds to defend your case

• Face criminal charges that are covered by the PDO (see what cases are covered below)

How the PDO decides

The PDO will assess your application by conducting two tests:

Means test: They will check your income, savings, and assets to see if you can afford a private lawyer.

Merits test: They will review your case to see if there are reasonable grounds to defend the charges.

If you pass both tests, you will be assigned a Public Defender who will represent you in court.

What cases the PDO covers

The PDO can help with most criminal charges, including:

• Drink driving cases

• Theft and robbery

• Assault cases

• Drug possession (personal use amounts)

• Fraud cases

• Other criminal offences not listed in the excluded categories below