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Municipal Court

Court Appointed Attorneys

If you have been charged with a crime, you have the right to a Court Appointed Attorney if you are indigent and cannot afford to hire an attorney without substantial hardship to you or your family.

You will have to complete the application process at the time of arraignment to determine if you qualify for a Court Appointed Attorney.  Applications are confidential and do not become part of the public record.

If you qualify for a Court Appointed Attorney and later plead guilty/no contest or are found guilty after trial, you will be required to reimburse the City for your attorney fees.

If you do not qualify for a Court Appointed Attorney, you may choose to privately hire an attorney to represent you for this matter.  Court staff by law cannot give legal advice or refer you to any attorney.

If you need assistance locating an attorney, contact the Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 800-452-7636.

Key Contacts


Judge Cindy Phillips
Municipal Court Judge
P: (503) 397-6272		  

Malinda Duran
Court Clerk
P: (503) 397-6272 x121
malindad@ci.st-helens.or.us
Riki Frappier
Deputy Court Clerk
P: (503) 397-6272 x112
rikif@ci.st-helens.or.us

Laurie Selden
Prosecuting Attorney
P: (503) 366-8254
F: (503) 397-3490
lauries@ci.st-helens.or.us
Melanie Payne
Legal Assistant
P: (503) 366-8253
F: (503) 397-3490
melaniep@ci.st-helens.or.us

St. Helens Municipal Court

  • Mailing Address: PO Box 278, St. Helens, OR 97051
  • Physical Location: 277 Strand St., St. Helens, OR 97051
  • Phone: 503-397-6272
  • Fax: 503-366-7932
  • Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • Court Hearings:  Mondays and Tuesdays

The information provided on this site and all St. Helens Municipal Court pages does not constitute legal advice.  While we make every effort to provide reliable information, there is no guarantee as to its accuracy.  For legal advice specific to your situation, contact your lawyer or call the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at 503-684-3763 or toll-free in Oregon at 800-452-7636.