Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office
Public defender's office
17 S Fairchild St 2nd floor, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Information last updated
Practice Areas
About Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office
The Wisconsin State Public Defender (SPD) is a legal defense organization dedicated to providing client-centered representation throughout Wisconsin. Comprised of staff public defenders, private bar partners, and support professionals, the SPD operates as the largest defense law firm in the state. Its mission is to fearlessly defend clients, uphold the Constitution, and serve the community.
The SPD is structured into three main divisions: the Trial Division, which operates 38 offices across the state; the Assigned Counsel Division, which contracts private outside counsel for specific cases; and the Appellate Division, specializing in appeals. The organization focuses on adult criminal cases and offers representation to individuals who meet state-mandated financial guidelines.
To enhance its legal services, the SPD maintains specialty practice groups. These groups are led by practice coordinators who monitor developments in areas such as family defense, forensic science, immigration, mental health, and youth defense. These coordinators collect and share practice materials and expertise with both SPD staff attorneys and private bar attorneys.
The SPD is committed to ensuring everyone receives a first-rate defense, regardless of their income level, and strives for full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
From the firm’s website
- Attorneys
- Jennifer Bias — State Public Defender
- Bridget Krause — Deputy State Public Defender
- Jaclyn Shelton — Legal Counsel
- Jeremy Perri — Trial Division Director
- Amber Rumpf — Deputy Trial Division Director
- Christopher Sobic — Appellate Division Director
- Kathy Pakes — Assigned Counsel Division Director
- Colleen Cullen — Training Division Director
- Services listed
- Appellate Division, Assigned Counsel Division, Family defense, Immigration, Youth defense
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Fees
- The collection of fees for public defenders is mandated by law (Wisconsin State Statute 977.075), with fees based on the WI State Statute with which a client is being charged, offering a lower prepaym
- Offices
- 17 South Fairchild Street Madison, Wisconsin 53703
- 2811 8th St S, SUITE 8 Wisconsin Rapids WI, 54494
- 411 ELLIS AVE S, STE B Ashland WI, 54806
- 10 N Bridge St, Suite 200 Chippewa Falls WI, 54729
- 139 S Washington St Green Bay WI, 54301
Source: wispd.gov · checked October 19, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.
Hours of Operation
- Monday
- 8 am–4:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 8 am–4:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 8 am–4:30 pm
- Thursday
- 8 am–4:30 pm
- Friday
- 8 am–4:30 pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Details & Amenities
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car parkWheelchair-accessible entranceWheelchair-accessible toilet
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Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office located?
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Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office is at 17 S Fairchild St 2nd floor, Madison, WI 53703.
What services does Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office list on its website?
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When checked on October 19, 2026, the firm's website (wispd.gov) listed Appellate Division, Assigned Counsel Division, Family defense, Immigration, Youth defense.
How do I contact Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office?
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Call Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office at +1 608-266-9150. Its website is wispd.gov.
When is Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office open?
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Monday to Friday: 8 am–4:30 pm. Saturday and Sunday: closed.
How is Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office rated on Google?
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Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office has a 1.6-star rating on Google from 16 reviews.
What languages does Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office serve clients in?
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According to its website, Wisconsin State Public Defender - Admin Office serves clients in English and Spanish.
Client Reviews
5 reviews- fable· via Google
Told me I don't qualify when I am homeless, jobless, and have almost nothing in my accounts.
a year ago - rj Ferguson· via Google
Public Defender Standley V. Woodard is illegally practicing law in this office. He was ordered to repay funds that he stole from several clients when he was in private practice. He never repaid the money. The Court stated clearly that Attorney Woodard could not practice law until this money was repaid.
6 years ago - Micheál Ó· via Google
while they did eventually get the job done, the person assigned to my case was, well, RUDE, and inefficient. Whenever anything out-of-the-way happened in the handling of the case this person acted as though I had personally and deliberately sabotaged things, when I was almost totally a passive participant in a complex process. MUCH ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.
Edited 4 years ago - CCR· via Google
This state is a disgrace. I don't know what else to say anymore. My significant other is trying to get issues resolved and was told he'd get a call back, but no call... and it's been over a week. It's like they want to screw with you on purpose and make your life a living hell. Why did it become so divided to help a fellow citizen out? He Never got a letter saying he owes money..then gets turned over to collections...now he can't even get a call back to resolve this.
2 years ago - Jay Smitj· via Google
You do know that your Milwaukee public defenders office is out of line right !! You got management who doesn't work nor answer there phones or take anything seriously they need to shut down immediately!!
8 months ago
