William McNeal

Phone: (815) 772-5191

The Public Defender is appointed by the Judge when an individual is not able to afford an attorney. The Public Defender provides legal representation in the areas of criminal, misdemeanor, abuse and neglect, as well as paternity and traffic cases for individuals who cannot afford legal representation. A Public Defender should be available to individuals at the time of the first court appearance.

The Whiteside County retains records regarding the Public Defender's Office appointments in the cases outlined above.