Chief Public Defender

The Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services is a state agency established by Chapter 887 of the Connecticut General Statutes. It operates under the policy-making and appointing authority of the Public Defender Services Commission. The Division is committed to ensuring justice and a fair and unbiased system, zealously promoting and protecting the rights, liberty, and dignity of all clients entrusted to it. The firm provides holistic representation, recognizing clients as individuals, fostering trust, and working to prevent unnecessary and wrongful conviction.

The Division includes an Office of Chief Public Defender, responsible for statewide administration and specialized legal representation, and individual public defender offices. These offices provide legal services throughout Connecticut to indigent persons accused of crimes, as mandated by the United States and Connecticut Constitutions. Services are extended to indigent accused adults and juveniles across thirty-eight combined field offices and six specialized units and branches. The Assigned Counsel Unit also provides vigorous advocacy for the fundamental rights of marginalized individuals in Connecticut.