Office of Assigned Counsel

Eligibility Screening for Services

The Skagit County Office of Assigned Counsel shall evaluate and determine a person’s eligibility for court appointed counsel in accordance with the following standards:

1. The determination of a person’s financial ability to retain counsel shall be made by considering the person’s income, savings, and liquid assets, as well as the person’s necessary expenses.
2. The determination of eligibility shall be made in view of the lengthened complexity of the case and the estimated cost of obtaining competent representation for the particular offense(s) charged.
3. The determination of a person’s ability to retain counsel shall be based upon an evaluation of that person’s financial condition from the time of screening until the expected time of trial.
4. The assets (including assets jointly owned with the defendant), income and expenses of the spouse (or partner domiciled with the defendant) shall be considered in determining the eligibility for court appointed counsel provided that:
   • There is no conflict of interest due to estrangement or other reasons and
   • It is likely that such income and assets will be readily available.