The Public Defender's Office is charged with the responsibility to represent individuals who are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney. Services of the office are paid for by the taxpayers of Monroe County, and eligibility for representation is based upon the gross income level of the applicant, applying the Federal Poverty Guidelines, similar to the application process for other public service programs.

It does not, however, represent individuals charged with Federal offenses, only crimes against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.