State of Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Law
On March 18, 1963, the United States Supreme Court guaranteed the right to counsel to indigent defendants in criminal cases in the landmark case, Gideon v. Wainwright. On July 1, 1971, the Maryland Legislature created the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD). OPD opened its doors in 1972 and is an independent state agency. A Board of Trustees, composed of 13 members, studies, observes and advises on the operation of the public defender system. The Board appoints the Public Defender who serves a six-year term. We are the statewide advocates for securing justice, protecting civil rights, and preserving liberty. We have been the voice of the voiceless across Maryland since 1972. Our work spans criminal, juvenile, parental defense, and involuntary commitment proceedings.
- Baltimore, MD
- From 1971
- 1,000 - 9,999