PUBLIC DEFENDER Synonyms: 26 Similar Words

public defender

noun

Definition of public defender

as in district attorney

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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 Although online court records list Michael Morrison as a public defender in the case, a representative of the Orange County Public Defender’s Office told PEOPLE that an individual attorney had not yet been assigned. — Esther Lian, PEOPLE, 16 Oct. 2026 Shea’s tampering was first revealed publicly during a 2024 trial for a 2010 murder and rape, when public defender Michael Kabakoff asked a testifying DNA expert about the issues. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 An area attorney and former chief public defender who was arrested earlier this year on multiple felony drug charges after a raid on his residence was arrested again early Monday on drug and gun charges following a traffic stop. — Steven Mross, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026 Love pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a felony charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and a public defender representing him did not reply to a request for comment. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for public defender

Recent Examples of Synonyms for public defender

Noun

The district attorney said that the arrangement would not necessarily be offered in every death penalty case.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Montford, a Travis County assistant district attorney at the time, promised to stay with them.

— Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of district attorney

Noun

Before giving up law completely, Ponder still dipped her toes in the craft, pulling double duty as a trial lawyer by day and moonlighting in projects like Danielle Ponder & the Tomorrow People by night.

— Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 14 Oct. 2026
In August, the State Department announced sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane of Japan and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal over their involvement in the court’s investigation of Israel’s war in Gaza.

— Howard LaFranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of trial lawyer

Noun

In a statement to Rolling Stone, Gonzalez’s criminal lawyer, Elliot Zarabi, questioned why Avery didn’t seek a domestic violence restraining order years ago.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of criminal lawyer

Noun

Deputy prosecuting attorney Ryon Sirucek notified the court of his intent to seek the death penalty last week.

— CBS News, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Clay County’s deputy chief prosecuting attorney, Spencer Curtis, was appointed by the North Kansas City Council to fill the position, effective as of midnight on Wednesday.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of prosecuting attorney

Noun

Culver, on the other hand, has practiced as both a prosecutor and assistant public defender, according him ample opportunity to meet juries in county court.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
The twins still face state rape charges in Miami, and their trial has been delayed as prosecutors awaited the federal case sentencing in Manhattan.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of prosecutor

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“Public defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/public%20defender. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of public defender

noun

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