Oregon Public Defense Commission Now Accepting Applications for New State Commission Responsible for Public Defense Services

State seeks applicants for new Oregon Public Defense Commission

The Oregon Judicial Department is accepting applications for the Oregon Public Defense Commission, a new state commission responsible for the administration of public defense services in Oregon’s courts.

The commission was created to ensure long-term stability in the state’s system for providing quality legal representation to low-income individuals who qualify for a public defense attorney.

The commission will fund attorneys for various types of cases, including criminal cases, juvenile delinquency cases, juvenile dependency cases, and cases involving civil commitment due to mental health disorders.

Applicants for the commission must have significant experience with public defense, criminal justice issues, or juvenile justice issues, and a strong commitment to ensuring quality legal services for public defense clients.

State seeks applicants for new Oregon Public Defense Commission

The Oregon Judicial Department is now accepting applications for the Oregon Public Defense Commission, a new state commission responsible for overseeing public defense services in Oregon’s circuit and appellate courts. The commission was created to ensure the long-term stability of the state’s system for providing quality legal representation to low-income individuals who cannot afford counsel. The commission will fund attorneys for various types of cases, including criminal, juvenile delinquency, and juvenile dependency cases. Applicants must have significant experience in public defense, criminal justice, or juvenile justice and a strong commitment to quality legal services.

Commission Responsibilities and Qualifications

The Oregon Public Defense Commission will be responsible for providing lawyers to represent low-income individuals in certain types of cases. These cases include criminal cases, juvenile delinquency cases, juvenile dependency cases, civil commitment cases due to mental health disorders, and other statutorily defined cases. The commission is composed of 13 members, with nine voting and four non-voting members. Applicants for the commission must have significant experience in public defense, criminal justice, or juvenile justice, and a strong commitment to ensuring quality legal services for public defense clients.

Application Process and Timeline

Interested individuals can apply for the Oregon Public Defense Commission until October 5, 2023. The commission will be established in the judicial branch of state government and will provide guidance and oversight for public defense services funded by the state. The Chief Justice will appoint the commission members based on recommendations from all three branches of government. The commission will be transferred to the executive branch on January 1, 2025, at which time the governor will appoint new commission members and the executive director of the Oregon Public Defense Commission.

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