Our office actively engages with communities throughout Cook County to spread vital information about the constitutional rights of anyone who has been detained by the police. We work hard to get out the word about the free legal services that we provide anyone who is arrested in Cook County. Chicago has a long history of people being denied rightful access to a lawyer in police stations and the Cook County Public Defender’s Office is part of a movement that has fought this harmful practice and brought about significant improvements.
Staff from our office frequently volunteer at events throughout the city and county and give Know Your Rights talks at schools. We use social media, wristbands and other outreach to let people know about our 24/7/365 Arrest Hotline, 844-817-4448, and our free legal service at police stations.
In the photo, staff from our office answer students’ questions about public defenders and the rights of the accused.
