Connecticut State Division of Public Defender Services

Members of the public have reported receiving calls, reportedly from the Judicial Branch of the Public Defender’s office, indicating that their loved one is in jail and they need to immediately send cash or provide a credit card number for bail. These calls are scams, so please do not send cash or provide your credit card number or any other personal information. A public defender would never call and ask for money or credit card information. If you receive such a call, contact the State Police in your state.

The Assigned Counsel Standing Committee

  1. The standing committee makes collective decisions on the administration of assigned counsel, throughout each fiscal year, based on the overall needs of the agency.  This includes making recommendations regarding the awarding, administration and oversight of assigned counsel contracts.
  2. The standing committee will annually identify jurisdictions and practice areas where additional contractors are needed.
  3. The standing committee will annually review requests to renew existing contracts, conduct a review of qualifications which includes inquiries or concerns about existing contractors, and assess applicants for new or additional contracts or practice areas and awarding of contracts.
  4. The standing committee makes recommendations to the Chief Public Defender as to which attorneys meet the qualifications for a contract with the agency, which areas of practice each attorney is individually approved for within the context of their firm, and which court locations will be included in a contract for the coming fiscal year. The Chief Public Defender makes the final decision regarding these contracts.