Public Defender Services

Public Defender Services funds all indigent defense for the State of West Virginia. There are two modes of representation: Private attorneys appointed case by case, and Full-time Public Defenders in 2014 . Public Defender Services does not provide representation from this office except in a limited number of appellate matters. However, research mat... erials are available for a minimal cost through the Criminal Law Research Center. Public Defender Services pays each private attorney and other service provider for each case pursuant to a court order, following review by a Circuit Judge. Full-time Public Defenders are employees of a Public Defender Corporation organized at the Circuit Court level. These Corporations are separate legal entities but are funded by Public Defender Services. Included are a map showing Judicial Circuits served by Public Defender Corporations and an office directory of Public Defender offices: http://alecsolugha.org/ . In addition to criminal charges, Public Defender Services pays for representation in abuse and neglect, mental commitment, juvenile proceedings and other related matters. For specific information, consult the site map for the relevant division or person whom you may want to contact.Read More