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Can I pay with a credit or debit card over the phone?

Yes, credit and/or debit card payments are accepted, the transaction will be processed over the phone. The number to call is 800-445-2230. The State Public Defender also accepts payments in the form of a cashier’s check, money order, personal check or cash (at the Madison Administration only.) They must be made payable to the State Public Defender and mailed to our Madison Office at PO Box 7923, Madison, WI 53707

Why am I billed for Public Defender Attorney fees when I have hired my own private attorney?

When the client informs the State Public Defender he/she has retained private counsel, or he/she has been found able to pay by the State Public Defender based on current financial information, the State Public Defender attorney assigned to the case will withdraw from the case. In these situations the fee is assessed at the prepayment amount only. However these are also reviewed on a case by case basis.

If I am unable to pay is it possible to waive the Attorney fee?

Attorney fees cannot be waived. You may complete the Ability to Pay Form that is sent along with your reminder letter. If it is determined that you are “Unable to Pay”, your payment will be deferred at the full fee amount. It is your responsibility to ensure the State Public Defender has your current address and you must request a new “Ability to Pay” form to recertify your status on an annual basis. Understand that the payment is deferred at the full fee amount. If you are not recertified annually your account will be forwarded to the contracted collection agency for further collection efforts.

May I have an extension to pay?

According to Act 129, Wisconsin State Statute 977.075 we can extend the due date for up to sixty days. You may contact us by calling 1-800-445-2230 or mailing your correspondence to Office of the State Public Defender P.O. Box 7923, Madison, WI 53707-7923

When is my due date?

The due date is sixty days after the case is opened in our system.

Who is my Public Defender?

You may obtain this information by contacting the local Public Defender Office.

How can I get a different attorney?

You must contact your local Public Defender office and they will assist you with this request.

Why do I have to pay for a Public Defender?

It is mandated by the law according to Wisconsin State Statutes 977.075.

How can I contact my attorney?

You must contact your local Public Defender office and they will assist you with this request.

Why was my account sent to a private collection agency?

We refer all accounts that are not paid within 150 days from the envelope date to State Collection Service, Inc.

What is the private collection agency phone number?

State Collection Service, Inc. – 1-800-477-7474

Why am I being assessed more than one fee?

The Public Defender Office assesses a fee for each case. If a client receives multiple charges on separate complaints, more than one fee is assessed.

What if my payment arrives after the due date?

We use the post mark date when entering payments. Per Act 129 we can accept payments from 60-120 days after the envelope date.