Lawyer of Firm Description

About St Tammany Public Defender’s — Legal Aid in Covington, Louisiana

The St Tammany Public Defender’s office provides court-appointed legal representation to qualifying individuals facing criminal charges in Covington, Louisiana and throughout St Tammany Parish. Located at 402 N Jefferson Avenue, this public defender office serves as a critical access-to-justice resource for residents who cannot afford private counsel — a constitutional guarantee under the Sixth Amendment. The office handles a broad range of criminal matters across the personal injury to serious felony spectrum, with attorneys like Kevin Linder drawing consistent praise for their knowledge, patience, and genuine engagement with clients’ cases. Residents of Covington seeking to understand their legal rights can also review Louisiana attorneys by practice area.

Public defender offices across Louisiana carry heavy caseloads, and the St Tammany office is no exception. Clients who engage proactively — attending scheduled appointments and staying in communication with assigned counsel — consistently report better experiences and more attentive representation. Staff at the front desk are noted for being approachable and helpful in explaining the intake process, which includes a $40 application fee payable by money order. For those facing criminal charges in St Tammany Parish, understanding what public defender representation involves is an important first step.

Legal Aid Services — Covington, Louisiana

Court-appointed criminal defense for qualifying individuals
Misdemeanor and felony representation in St Tammany Parish courts
Case status updates and client consultation
Pre-trial hearing attendance and plea negotiation
Guidance on bond hearings and conditions of release
Referrals and coordination with the district court system

What Clients Say

Reviews of the St Tammany Public Defender’s office are mixed, which reflects the strain that high caseloads place on public defender systems statewide. Attorney Kevin Linder stands out as a consistently praised staff member — described as knowledgeable, patient, and proactive on behalf of clients. Several reviewers report cases resulting in dismissed charges or dropped counts, crediting their assigned defender’s work. Front desk staff receive positive mentions for friendliness and clear communication during the intake process. Clients who stay in close contact with their assigned attorney and document their concerns tend to report the strongest results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I qualify for a public defender in St Tammany Parish?

To qualify for a public defender in St Tammany Parish, you must demonstrate financial need and be facing criminal charges that carry a potential jail or prison sentence. You will need to complete an application at the office, pay a $40 application fee by money order, and provide documentation of your income and assets. A staff member will review your application to determine eligibility.

What should I do if I am unhappy with my assigned public defender in Louisiana?

If you have concerns about your representation, you should first schedule an in-person meeting with your assigned attorney to discuss the issues directly. If problems persist, you can file a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board. In some circumstances, the court may allow you to request a substitution of counsel, though this is granted at the court’s discretion and is not guaranteed.

Quick Facts: Legal Aid in Covington, Louisiana

Louisiana Criminal Justice Data: Statewide crime and incarceration statistics published by the Louisiana Dept. of Public Safety — Louisiana Dept. of Public Safety & Corrections
Public Defender Funding: Louisiana public defender offices are funded through a combination of state appropriations and court fees — La. R.S. § 15:141 et seq.
Right to Counsel: The Sixth Amendment guarantees appointed counsel in all criminal proceedings where incarceration is a potential outcome — Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335 (1963)

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

St. Tammany Public Defender’s in Covington, Louisiana, provides legal representation with a team of dedicated attorneys and lawyers who strive to assist their clients despite being overworked. Many reviewers highlight the engaging and supportive nature of staff members like Kevin Linder, who are praised for their patience and knowledge, making clients feel comfortable and encouraged throughout the legal process. While some challenges exist in communication, overall, clients express appreciation for the helpfulness and friendly demeanor of the personnel, emphasizing the importance of persistence in getting the necessary support for their cases.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

They are over work and can’t properly do their job.The ADA office goal is to convict anyone they could even if they know that there is no evidence. St tammany have their own rules and are frauds. The Public defender don’t know who they are representing and got the cases all mixed up…

Case dismissied

David Green will not help you. Won’t answer phone calls or emails. You are better off defending yourself. I am currently filing a complaint against him with the Louisiana Attorney disciplinary board.

Kevin Linder was VERY engaging, patient, knowledgeable and encouraging!!

Go to stay on their butt a bit, or become a bug in their ear But you definitely can rely on them. Make an appointment to see them to discuss your case. They have a lot of clients but make yourself known and they are awesome people. Thank You For Your Help In My Matter: ALL CHARGES WERE DRIPPED BY THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE. Kevin Linder Did His Job Well.

Must have a money order

Love love love the uplifting friendly respectful personality of the woman who was working the front desk she made me feel very comfortable n was able to answer all my questions

Thanks for the help it was appreciated. Prepare for a $40 application fee. Must be a money order

Stopped in to fill out an app and the receptionist was very nice. I filled out the app and let her know that I didn’t have the 40$ app fee. She informed me that I had thirty days to come up with the money.

Very helpful

It’s a shame that getting someone to answer a call or returning a call is impossible. I am a mother and yes I get my child has gotten in trouble, but anyone who know having children with mental illness is difficult. She looks to me to explain things.

I can’t give it a zero (0) and/or no stars so its at a one (1).

Nice people. Easy to find. Easy to work with.

They’re working again you not helping you they try to convince you to take a guilty plea especially David Green he should be the D.A for that court room he work in cause he has 100% all guilty plea’s he is a real public pretender

Some great people working here. God bless them all.