Office of The Public Defender : Home Page

SERVICES OF THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER

History - This page describes both the criminal and civil programs administered by the Office of the Public Defender.

Trial Services - provides constitutionally-mandated legal representation for indigent adults charged with indictable offenses and for juveniles charged with juvenile offenses.

Appellate Services - provides legal representation for all adults and juveniles including direct appeal from the conviction or adjudication.

Law Guardian - provides legal representation for children in child abuse and neglect and termination of parental rights proceedings in the family courts of the State of New Jersey.

Office of Juvenile Services - provides planning, policy and training related to all aspects of cases involving juvenile offenders.

Parental Representation Unit - provides representation for parents charged in child abuse and neglect cases, as well as those facing the termination of their parental rights.

Special Hearings - provides representation in Megan's Law "tier classification" hearings.

Intensive Supervision Unit - provides legal representation for clients seeking intermediate forms of community-based correctional supervision.

Mental Health and Guardianship Advocacy - provides constitutionally-mandated legal representation for individuals at voluntary and involuntary psychiatric commitment hearings and for persons with development disabilities in guardianship matters.

Office of Dispute Settlement - provides a broad range of mediation services in disputes which frequently have regional and statewide impacts.

Administrative Support - provides accounting, human resources, general services, liens, management information services and purchasing.

Public Information - provides information and appropriate contacts within the Office of the Public Defender for the public and media.

Pool Attorney Guidelines - guidelines for designated counsel (non-OPD attorneys) who in conflict of interest cases handle Trial, Law Guardian, Parental Representation, Special Hearings, Mental Health, Appellate and Death Penalty cases.

Online Resources - links to other informational web sites

Directions - Directions to the Office of the Public Defender offices in the R. J. Hughes Justice Complex.