WEST VIRGINIA
PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICES
One Players Club Dr Suite 301,
Charleston, WV 25311
Telephone:(304) 558-3905 Fax: (304) 558-1098
Voucher Processing Fax: (304) 558-6612
Welcome to the home page of West Virginia Public Defender Services.
Public Defender Services funds all indigent defense for the State of West Virginia. There are two modes of representation:
Public Defender Services does not provide representation from this office except in a limited number of appellate matters. However, research materials 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.
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.
For additional information and resources, see the web sites for:
WV State Bar
National Legal Aid & Defender Association
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
National Problem Gambling Awareness Week
National Juvenile Defender Center
Juvenile Defense Assistance
National Juvenile Defender Center: Juvenile Detention Principles, Guidelines
and Checklist.
Eyewitness Identification Resources
Defending Immigrants Partnership
Click here to see Jack Rogers' Padilla memo to judges.
Click here is see a list of persons willing to advise clients or their lawyers on immigration issues.
Substance Abuse Resources:
West Virginia Residential and Outpatient Treatment Information:
West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health & Health Facilities
Division on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings West Virginia
Mental Health Resources:
General Mental Heath Information
West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities Division for Adult Mental Heath Services
NAMI West Virginia
General Information on Diagnoses:
American Psychological Association
Alphabetical Index of Psychiatric Disorders and Explanation
Sentencing Research and Advocacy:
The Sentencing Project
National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates and Mitigation Experts
West Virginia Studies: Systemic Reviews:
1999 PDS Performance Evaluation
1998 Commission on the Future of the Judiciary: Final Report (Excerpt)
WVU Public Affairs Reporter - Legal Aid & Public Defender Study
Sexually Violent Predator Task Force Report
WV Juvenile System Assessment