Public Defender

The public defenders and staff within this state-funded department are absolutely atrocious. Over the course of a year, we had one miscommunication after another and every single person managed to do nothing to help our case. A few examples: our file was misplaced on the day of our hearing; the public defender took a vacation and forgot to pass our case onto anyone; at the same time, the public defender's assistant took a vacation and forgot to forward her messages, so there was no way of connecting with anyone; we were switched to a different public defender and not informed; at one point, no-one quite knew who was representing us; and we were handed the incorrect paperwork for a different person, not our case at all. These are just a few examples and does not include the amount of empty promises and talk of action and ridiculous advice we were given. We have never been so disgusted by a public system that exists to serve people. Every single employee needs to be reminded of this department's goals, its mission and values.

In our experience, the many people who work in many different aspects of this office do care and work the best they can in the confines of their budget.

- keep your ass out of trouble

Normally I wouldn't do a review, but I just want to say I LOVE YOU Alan Chalfie (and his assistant) for putting up with me for 3+ years.Case dismissed baby!

My son had the unfortunate experience of getting Alan Chalsie as his lawyer. After 10 months of sitting jail, Alan Chalsie retired, and it was found to be the man did absolutely nothing. . . left him hanging, so continuance after continuance it was finally revealed, the incompetant lawyer in 10 months did Zero paperwork, no investigation, the file was completely empty. . .promised his release with time served, then disapeared. Now they have to start over & offering a totally different plea, a total waste of 10 months of a humans life, for which they care nothing about. If you should have a choice dont have them represent you. . .

Dealing with this office is the worst experience I've ever had dealing with the legal system. They did the bare minimum when representing me and now that I have the opportunity to have a possession charge expunged from 12 years ago they do not want to assist me in any way, shape, or form. They might as well call this office Prosecutor's Office 2.0. Lance Hendrix is by far the worst attorney to ever set foot in a courtroom on my behalf.

90-1-00252-0 whatcom public defender advised jury trial both girls never showed up at jury trial asked for a five day continuance because his client is guilty refusing to plead guilty obligation over ruled made everything prejudice as public defender threatening three strikes your out represent you in ways never can fire Jon ostlund anxiety wrote out the guilty plea using wrong indictment information conduct advising his client as prosecutor Mac d setter is withholding first amended information count one second degree kidnapping is not 3 strikes your out made my bill of rights get violated per Chris Sicilia lawyer James Matthew investigated

Fire Ashley Brown she is the most rude, pretentious person anyone could possibly have to deal with as a defender" and she cant even grow up."