Featured News
Sep 4, 2025In making bond determinations, judges often emphasize criminal history as a factor to keep our clients in custody. However, data shows that BIPOC individuals are charged, convicted, and sentenced at disproportionate rates. Please join the OPD Disproportionality Unit and American…
- Washington Supreme Court OpinionAug 14, 2025
The Supreme Court adopted JuCR 7.16 in February of 2021 limiting the issuance of warrants in juvenile matters to instances when the juvenile posed a serious threat to public safety. Three years later Division III of the COA found the rule to be unenforceable and removed the restriction. At the ur…
Jul 2, 2025The Washington State Office of Public Defense is offering a free webinar presented by Lila Silverstein. It has been seven years since the Washington Supreme Court adopted GR 37, Washington’s landmark rule aimed at addressing the shortcomings of Batson and reducing racial bias in jury selection. T…
Upcoming Events
- Fri, Sep 19 2025, 12 - 1:30pm
- Wed, Oct 8 - Fri, Oct 10 2025, All day
- Fri, Oct 17 2025, 12 - 1pm
From the Director
The Office of Public Defense believes in providing justice through service to our community, prioritizing equity and excellence in all we do. Ensuring justice means embracing a multidisciplinary approach to providing public defense services, ensuring that each individual is met where they are at with the help they need in their case.
This core value propels our team of dedicated advocates to address the far-reaching causes and consequences of justice involvement. We are dedicated to collaborating across disciplines, pooling diverse expertise and perspectives to accomplish our mission.
We want to extend our sincerest gratitude to our partners and supporters, who are integral to our efforts to break down the barriers that stand in the way of access to justice for all. Together, we can champion a system that ensures justice for every individual, family, and community in the State of Washington.
