1 definition by Al Rossi
A criminal defense lawyer appointed and paid to represent indigent persons charged with crimes. A public defender can either be a private attorney who accepts such cases and is compensated for each case, or a salaried attorney of a public defender agency. Also called "P.D."
"I don't have enough money to hire my own attorney. I am going to have to ask for a public defender."
by Al Rossi February 17, 2007