Montgomery County Public Defender

07/24/2026

07/07/2026

ATTENTION: Important changes to local Magisterial District Court protocol!

We want to make each person who may go to Magisterial District Courts located in Norristown, Narberth, Jenkintown, and Pottstown is aware that you may be stopped, wanded, or have personal items searched upon entry to the building. Due to new safety protocols security staff will be present in the lobby areas of certain court buildings.

In the very near future, all local MDJ courts will have similar safety and security protocols in place.

Please see the attached recommendations from our office regarding the type of case or need that brings you to your local court location.

04/23/2026

Standing in solidarity.

Today our team wore black to support the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office and offices across the country facing a stark lack of sufficient resources to meaningfully represent their clients.

We are grateful to the Montgomery County Commissioners for their continued investment in our office, support that has helped lower caseloads and strengthen representation for our clients. That commitment matters.

But the reality is bigger than any one county. Across the country, public defender offices face chronic underfunding and overwhelming caseloads that threaten the constitutional right to counsel. Pennsylvania was the 49th state to provide any state-level funding for public defense. Even now, that funding, just $7.5 million spread across 67 counties, falls far short of what is needed.

Public defense is not optional. It is a constitutional mandate and a cornerstone of a fair justice system. We will continue to advocate for our clients, for our colleagues, and for a system that lives up to its promises.