MISSION
To provide independent, effective, high-quality representation to individual clients in the spirit of the Public Defender's Credo* and in compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct. To work interdependently with other professionals in the courts and leaders in the executive, legislative and judicial branches, along with the citizens of the Commonwealth, to advance the interests of our indigent clients and improve the operation of the criminal justice system.
* Public Defender's Credo:
"I am a public defender. I am the guardian of the presumption of innocence, due process, and fair trial. To me is entrusted the preservation of those sacred principles. I will promulgate them with courtesy and respect, but not with obsequiousness and not with fear for I am partisan; I am counsel for the defense. Let none who oppose me forget that with every fiber of my being I will fight for my clients. My clients are the indigent accused. They are the lonely, the friendless. There is no one to speak for them but me. My voice will be raised in their defense. I will resolve all doubt in their favor. This will be my credo; this and the Golden Rule. I will seek acclaim and approval only from my own conscience. And if upon my death there are a few lonely people who have benefited, my efforts will not have been in vain."
*Adapted from the Creed originally authored by James J. Doherty, Cook County (Illinois) Public Defender
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