lawyer chosen by the court to defend an accused person who cannot pay for a private lawyer in a criminal case
A public defender is a lawyer who is employed by a city or county to represent people who are accused of crimes but cannot afford to pay for a lawyer themselves. An attorney or a staff of attorneys, usually publicly appointed, having responsibility for the defense of those unable to afford or obtain legal assistance. a lawyer who is paid by the government to defend people in court, because they cannot pay for a lawyer themselves district attorney