State of Delaware - Office of Defense Services

The Office of Defense Services (ODS) was established in 2015 by Senate Bill 47. The ODS is comprised of three divisions: Central Administration, the Public Defenders Office, and the Office of Conflicts Counsel. The ODS provides defense attorneys for people accused of crimes who cannot afford to hire their own lawyers and maintains offices in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties. Attorneys with the ODS defend adults and youth who have been charged with crimes in Delaware. The guiding principle at the ODS is that financial means is not a barrier to obtaining zealous legal representation. Our mission is: zealous advocacy for the people. The ODS’ commitment to improving the justice system extends beyond the courtroom. Attorneys and staff with the ODS frequently engage in community outreach events and robust public advocacy. Since 2011, the ODS was named by the News Journal as one of the top workplaces in Delaware. **Mission** Zealous Advocacy for the People. **Vision** The ODS’s vision is to protect the fundamental rights, liberty, and dignity of clients entrusted to us through collaborative defense. Goals The goals of the ODS are many, but among our top priorities are: 1. Holistic and Collaborative Defense 2. Transforming the Justice System 3. Representation that promotes justice, fairness and the dignified treatment of our clients 4. Respecting, Understanding and Supporting our Colleagues 5. Community Engagement 6. Reform through legislative advocacy and policy initiatives 7. Diversity, equity and inclusion