Orleans Public Defenders

With the start of a new fiscal year – OPD is slowly restoring many of the services we were forced to cut due to budget shortfalls earlier this year.  While budgets and staffing are still not at optimum levels, the renewed services will provide our clients with much-needed representation. 

A full-time Conflict Division returns in a smaller capacity to represent clients that have previously been wait-listed for representation.  The Conflict Panel will transition to a new contract system.  Full-time attorneys have returned in Municipal and Traffic Court and OPD is launching a Capital Division, effectually reducing costs previously contracted outside the office. 

For more, view Chief District Defender Derwyn Bunton’s interview on WDSU click here