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Self-Help Legal Research Guide: Criminal Law

This guide is designed to help non-lawyers navigate the Missouri legal system & offers tips on how to conduct legal research, and offers resources on how to find an attorney / Last updated by Jacob Wood, JD '25

About

This tab is designed to assist people seeking criminal representation. Information ranges from Public Defender contact information to how to apply for public assistance. 

Mid-Missouri Public Defenders Office Contact Information

Columbia

District Defender: Sarah Aplin

Phone: (573)-447-8087

email: Sarah.Aplin@mspd.mo.gov

 

Jefferson City

District Defender: Justin Carver

Phone: (573)-526-3266

Email: Justin.Carver@mspd.mo.gov

Services Offered

The MSPD provides legal representation to all indigent citizens accused or convicted of crimes in Missouri at the State Trial Court, Appellate Court, Missouri Supreme Court, and United States Supreme Court. 

*If your case is a municipal violation, traffic violation, family court or civil court case, you are not eligible for services from the Missouri State Public Defender.

How to Apply for Services

  1. Visit https://publicdefender.mo.gov/clients-and-families/how-to-apply-for-service
  2. Check "Map of Districts" to know which office to contact
  3. Complete and submit application