News
Oct 13, 2026 - Implementation of Public Defender Standards Requires Full Professional Staff Support for Attorneys
The Washington Supreme Court’s rule drastically reducing the caseload limit for public defense attorneys has generated hope among defenders, their clients, and others. It also has led to serious…
Patients at the hospitals often have lengthy stays even after they’ve been deemed ready for discharge.
May 19, 2026 - 'That Conviction Followed Me Everywhere’: How Blake Decision Law Changed One Man’s Life
The Blake decision significantly impacted this man’s life. Hundreds of thousands more people still need relief.
May 18, 2026 - For SF's public defenders, resistance is the new black
San Francisco public defenders wore all black in a silent protest over heavy caseloads, understaffing, and burnout. They said chronic underfunding is making it harder to provide adequate legal…
OPD is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a community event on August 4, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Ashho Cultural Center. The event will recognize three decades of service and commitment to…
What WA’s controversial ‘insanity defense’ really means. This verdict is rare in Washington courts.
The Seattle Times investigated the Department of Social and Health Services’ 71.09 Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island. The most recent article asks if civil commitment of people with profound…
Listen to OPD staff discuss Washington’s advocacy for parents facing dependency and termination findings, and keeping families together.
Jan 6, 2026 - Tipping Point- Public Defense in Crisis
This documentary explores the ramifications of a severe shortage of available public defenders across Washington. It highlights the challenges faced by defendants and victims alike when no attorneys…
Hundreds of thousands of drug convictions became eligible to be cleared after Washington state's criminal drug law was struck down in 2021 — but fewer than half have been vacated, and the state money…