Office of the Public Defender

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
(Last client interview is held at 3:45 pm)

 Michael Machen, Esquire, Public Defender

Chief Public Defender

Michael J. Machen has served in the Allegheny County Public Defender's office since 1984. He has served as a trial supervisor/first assistant public defender and deputy director for the trial division. Mr. Machen was appointed Chief Public Defender in January, 2004. He also serves on the board of directors for the Public Defenders Association of Pennsylvania. Mr. Machen holds a Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law and a B.A. from Allegheny College.

Our Mission

The Office of the Public Defender is responsible for furnishing competent and effective legal counsel to any person who lacks sufficient funds to obtain legal counsel in any proceeding where representation is constitutionally required.

The Public Defender Act authorizes the Office of the Public Defender to provide legal counsel in the following matters:

  • Where a person is charged with juvenile delinquency;
  • Critical pretrial identification procedures;
  • Preliminary hearings;
  • State habeas corpus proceedings;
  • State trials, including pretrial and post- trial motions;
  • Superior Court appeals;
  • Pennsylvania Supreme Court appeals;
  • Post conviction hearings at the trial and appellate levels;
  • Criminal extradition proceedings;
  • Probation and parole violation hearings;
  • Involuntary commitment under the Mental Health Procedures Act;
  • Any proceeding where personal liberty is in jeopardy.