Where can I take an implicit bias test?

The NC Public Defender Commission on Racial Equity (NC PDCORE) is a committee of the North Carolina Public Defender Association. The mission of NC PDCORE is to reduce and ultimately eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system […]

When a (White) Public Defender Knows His Rights

I'm a white, Ivy-league educated public defender. One night on my way to meet a friend at a bar in the Tenderloin neighborhood in San Francisco, I happened upon the police arresting an older black man. I began recording the arrest on my […]

The Aider and Abettor

Avi Singh and I are two Indian American public defenders in San Jose, CA who talk current events, criminal justice, the law, pop culture and sports on The Aider & Abettor Podcast.  We hope to provide unique, thoughtful takes on […]

Pushing Back on Anti-Protest Legislation

In recent weeks and months, there have been multiple written articles that have pointed to the wave of new anti-protesting bills introduced in state legislatures since the end of 2016. The Intercept, Washington Post, AlterNet, Democracy Now!, and other news […]

Hennepin County PDO’s Expungement Project

As a young man I was convicted of a few misdemeanor crimes.  I still clearly remember being denied housing opportunities and retail positions due to my criminal record.  I can recall the feelings of helplessness and powerlessness those denials evoked, […]

Hennepin County PDO’s Expungement Project

I was excited to be asked to join this new expungement project that Gabriel was creating. As Gabriel mentioned above, we are working on getting the records sealed for misdemeanor cases that have been dismissed.  Once the case is dismissed, […]

Arlington County’s New Fast Track to Criminal Records for the Poor: Skip the Attorney

Effective March 1st, it will become significantly more convenient for the criminal justice system in Arlington County to establish criminal records for poor people charged with possession of marijuana: in many cases they won’t be appointed a lawyer.  The figurative […]

How One “Ordinary Inmate” Changed Legal History

Today is an important day!  You may not know this but 54 years ago today, the United States Supreme Court said that anyone charged with a serious crime who wanted a lawyer but could not afford one must be given […]

Washington Governor Declares March 18, 2017 Public Defense Day

This statement was released on March 9, 2017. WHEREAS, Washington State values every one of its inhabitants – rich and poor – and many individuals cannot afford to hire a lawyer; and   WHEREAS, this problem was addressed 54 years […]

Montgomery County (PA) Goes Big for Public Defense Week

This week our office celebrated National Public Defense Week in commemoration of the 54th Anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright. On Monday, March 13th,the Montgomery County Public Defender Office in partnership with the Montgomery County District Attorney and the Pennsylvania Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) […]