Public defenders play a crucial role in our criminal legal system. But across the country, we still face shortcomings in providing the right to counsel.

On #NationalPublicDefenderDay , read more about the fight for public defense funding ✊
idueprocess.org/blog/f/%E2%80%…

#Nationalpublicdefenderday #Lastbestandfirstdefense

#NationalPublicDefenderDay honors the heroes who fight for ALL to have a fair shot at justice. They provide:
Compassionate advocacy ⚖️ Equal access to legal processes ✊ A challenge to systemic inequalities
Thank you, Public Defenders, for being champions of a just society!

As public defenders we reflect on this day to recognize the sacrifices, honor the past, and present challenges, while we strive for a more inclusive and equitable justice system. To learn more about #Juneteenth click the link below.
nmaahc.si.edu/.../historical…

OPD management training in Helena. Working on being better leaders. All leadership is change leadership. #teamOPD #publicdefender

Happy National Administrative Professionals' Day! Thank you to all of our staff who work earnestly for our clients and our agency. #montanaopd #protectthe6th #administrativeprofessionalsday

Day 1 foundations training. Time to get your learning on. #publicdefender #TeamOPD

MT Office of the Public Defender has welcomed 7 new attorneys! Montana Funk, Kristen Vicknair, Patrick Rice, Ryan Doerfler (not pictured), Joseph Gorman (not pictured), Katherine Antonson, and Ryan Warner (not pictured).

#montanalaw #montanalaw yer #publicdefense #publicdefender

Countries like Germany & Norway illustrate that sentences can be far shorter without sacrificing public safety.

Research shows that extreme sentences are unnecessary because most people age out of crime & long sentences don’t effectively deter crime. bit.ly/3InIwtW

NUMBER OF THE WEEK:
If the OPD can't provide enough defenders to handle its workload, then every Montanan's right to a fair trial in in danger.
#MTPOL #MTLEG

npr.org/2023/03/18/116…

60 years ago, the US Supreme Court in Gideon v. Wainwright recognized the right to counsel for all. Learn how public defenders & court-appointed counsel fight for a more just & humane legal system. #Gideonat60 #PublicDefense

Learn more: nacdl.org/publicdefense

OPD was invited by MEIC to provide education about Montana's rights to legal counsel. Two of our dedicated attorneys; Claire Lettow, Manager for Great Falls, Qasim Abdul-Baki, Public Defender for Helena and Andrea Moore, Communications Officer staffed the information table.

NAPD has signed onto a joint statement with other national public defense advocates in response to recent incendiary accusations by Guam Attorney General Moylan that funding for public defense poses a threat to community safety.

Link to the statement: conta.cc/3Th7ZZG

Happy International Women's Day!!! #embraceequity #bethechange #empower #MontanaOPD

Our local Great Falls office was challenged by the prosecutor’s office to a diaper drive for Toby’s House and came out on top. Nice work folks. #allforthekids #opdnation #publicdefender

Public Defender Dean Koffler and Deputy County Attorney John Brothers presenting on DUIs at the Cascade County Bar Association meeting in Great Falls.

You might not know much about the Montana-Montana State rivalry that dates back to 1897 and has been christened the “Brawl of the Wild.”

But for Montanans, it’s a declaration of identity.

prisonpolicy.org/origin/mt/2020…
#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #MontanaOPD #PublicDefense

Registration is Now Open for the 2022 NLADA Virtual Annual Conference! Take part in the premier skills-building & knowledge-sharing event for the civil legal aid, public defense & public interest law communities from the comfort of your own home >> nlada.org/node/54091