Public Defender
VerifiedPublic defender's office
2360 N High St Ste 2, Jackson, MO 63755, United States
Information last updated
Practice Areas
About Public Defender
The Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) provides legal representation to indigent citizens accused of or convicted of crimes in Missouri. Established in 1972, MSPD operates as a statewide system comprising a Trial Division and six specialty areas: Capital Division, Appellate/Post-Conviction Division, Commitment Defense Unit, Children's Defense Team, Parole Revocation Defense Team, and Strike Force.
The system includes 33 district offices, 6 appellate sections, and 3 capital sections across Missouri. MSPD employs approximately 580 dedicated individuals, including attorneys, legal staff, investigators, mitigation specialists, and administrative support. In Fiscal Year 2024, the organization provided high-quality representation in 91,442 cases. MSPD prioritizes training, offering in-house trial skills courses and leveraging information technology for efficient communication. The collective resources and expertise of the entire system are available to all its offices.
From the firm’s website
- Attorneys
- Katie New — District Defender
- Tom Jacquinot — District Defender of Western Capital
- Kevin Whiteley — Contract Defender of the Year Award recipient
- Brian Horneyer — Attorney
- Kevin O'Brien — District Defender
- Ruth Petsch — District Defender
- Beverly Hauber — St. Louis County Trial District Defender
- Christian Lehmberg — Senior Attorney in the Central Appellate Office
- Katelyn Young — District Defender
- Sheri Nelson — District Defender
- Daniel Feldman — District Defender
- Ryan Williams — District Defender
- Services listed
- Legal representation to all indigent citizens accused of or convicted of crimes, Trial Division, Capital Litigation Division, Appellate/Post-Conviction Relief Division, Commitment Defense Unit, Children's Defense Team, Parole Revocation Defense Team, Strike Force
- Founded
- 1972
- Fees
- By Missouri state law, the Public Defender must charge a fee for public defender services, which are set per case by the Public Defender Commission, though inability to pay does not deny a client serv
- Offices
- 2360 North High Street, Ste. 2 Jackson, MO 63755
- Woodrail Centre – 1000 West Nifong, Building 7, Suite 100 – Columbia, MO 65203
- 1010 Market Street Suite 1340 St. Louis, MO 63101
- 905 East George Street Kirksville, MO 63501
- 305 North Market Street Maryville, MO 64468
- Awards & recognition
- Defender of Distinction
- Outstanding Contract Defender Award
- Charles Shaw Trial Advocacy Award
- Women's Justice Award
- WashU Law Clinical Education Program 50th Anniversary Award
- David J. Dixon Appellate Advocacy Award
Source: publicdefender.mo.gov · checked October 9, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.
Hours of Operation
- Monday
- 8 am–5 pm
- Tuesday
- 8 am–5 pm
- Wednesday
- 8 am–5 pm
- Thursday
- 8 am–5 pm
- Friday
- 8 am–5 pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Details & Amenities
Accessibility
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Public Defender — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Public Defender located?+
Public Defender is located at 2360 N High St Ste 2, Jackson, MO 63755, United States. Use the "Get Directions" link on this page to navigate there.
What kind of cases does Public Defender handle?+
Public Defender handles Criminal Defense. Confirm that they cover your specific legal matter during your first consultation.
How do I contact Public Defender?+
Call Public Defender at +1 573-243-3949 or visit their website. Many firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.
Is Public Defender well rated?+
Public Defender has a 2.7-star rating based on 7 Google reviews. Ratings are sourced from Google and shown for reference.
Client Reviews
5 reviews- Jeanne O'Flynn· via Google
I am so screwed thanks to our public defender here in Cape County,. The officer even admitted in his testimony he didn't even think they mirandize me ...... And then officer pulled out in front of the judge surpressed evidence !! Two reasons alone it should have been thrown out !!
8 years ago - J S· via Google
I was appointed Sara Devlin as a public defender. I was facing a felony and misdemeanor charge of which I was innocent, the charges effectively kept me from working considering I'm I healthcare so afford the 3-5 thousand dollar retainer for a private lawyer wasn't an option. Before I met Sara I researched Mo public defenders and I was appalled. Missouri is one of the worst states in funding for PD and is also a state with the highest case loads. In 2017 public defenders in Kansas City were reporting 40 cases with some having as many as 80 cases at a time in areas. So needless to say I was scared that she wasn't going to be able to give my case the time it needed even if she wanted to. However, Sara was amazing. She was confident, direct, and although maybe a little lackluster at first she was completely on my side when I showed my drive to prove my innocence. I'm a nurse, it's a stressful job and people's lives are on the line and I've always thought that put me a step above other professions. I learned today that Sara and others like her fight for people and their lives every day and with little compensation and likely no reward. Sara, if you read this I am so greatful for you just validating my feelings and sticking up for me. I'm glad there was at least one decent attorney there today and hope that the least I did in gettibg you a win today was enjoyable. Sincerely Grateful JS
7 years ago - Kevin Mason· via Google
I went there to talk to a lady about getting me out from going to prison again I got a good chance not goimg this time so I got to be extra behave from now on if I get a prayer anserd ok
8 months ago - Shawna Moore· via Google
They never call back or answer!! You'd have better luck getting a wall to dance with you than getting any help from these "defenders"
8 months ago - april burd· via Google
I can't say enough great things about Carter Stewart. He is literally the absolute best! Very intelligant, insightful, puts off a very sincere vibe, and isnt scared to point out the truth, etc. Definately someone you want standing with you.
10 months ago