public defender

noun

Definition of public defendernext
as in district attorney

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of public defender Defense attorney Laura Koenig, an assistant federal public defender, declined to elaborate in response to an Associated Press inquiry. — CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 The court then sent the case back to district court to determine whether Sims’ public defender’s performance while initially representing him on the matter prejudiced his case. — Sofi Zeman august 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026 Miller’s arrest is part of a pattern, suggests Kelly Sullivan, an assistant federal public defender. — Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026 The judge overseeing the proceedings recently granted a motion from Elizabeth’s public defender Tommy Stolly seeking a mental health evaluation of the mother. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for public defender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for public defender
  1. district attorney
  2. trial lawyer
  3. criminal lawyer
  4. prosecuting attorney
  5. prosecutor
Noun
  • Juan Luis Gutierrez Marfil, 45, of Napa, was charged Thursday with one felony count of recklessly causing a fire of a structure or forest, the Napa County district attorney’s office said in a statement.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Investigators continue to review evidence before it is presented to a grand jury, who will ultimately decide if any crimes took place, Jackson County district attorney Angel Myers McIlrath has said.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of district attorney
Noun
  • The Consumer Attorneys of California, a trial lawyer trade group, backed the fact that the bill wouldn’t limit how much victims could receive from these cases.
    — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Chow, a trial lawyer by trade, led her own defense during the court case which – like all of Hong Kong’s national security cases – was heard by a panel of three judges selected to oversee such proceedings and not a jury.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of trial lawyer
Noun
  • True to the life of a much-sought-after criminal lawyer, Reddington has also represented prominent clients who weren't able to beat the charges against them.
    — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Heather told me that a criminal lawyer advised her to invoke her Fifth Amendment privilege at the Holbrook trial.
    — Nikki Battiste, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of criminal lawyer
Noun
  • The Election Board then sends the recall to the King County prosecuting attorney's office for a technical review.
    — Zachary Fletcher, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
  • McDonough plays the assistant attorney general and prosecuting attorney, a man of integrity who profoundly believes in the criminal justice system.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of prosecuting attorney
Noun
  • While outlining the details of Clancy's suicide attempt, Reddington slapped a quarter on the table and addressed the prosecutors in what appeared to be a direct challenge to the state.
    — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Andrew Tate faces 42 charges and Tristan Tate 17, according to prosecutors.
    — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of prosecutor

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Cite this Entry

“Public defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/public%20defender. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on public defender

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about public defender

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