Orleans Public Defenders

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Who We Are

OPD Statement on Passage of Senate Bill 8 Altering the Structure of Public Defense in Louisiana

: News; 29 February 2024

New Orleans - In 2007, almost 100 bi-partisan stakeholders worked to create sweeping change and establish meaningful constitutional representation for the thousands of Louisianans within the criminal legal system consistent with established guidelines such as the American Bar Association’s 10 Principles of Public Defense.

Act 307 created standards of representation, established transparency and accountability, and institutionalized Louisiana’s obligation to provide indigent representation. It was hailed as legislation that finally ensured Louisiana had a system of delivering indigent defense that clearly provided all defendants with a right to effective representation.

The Orleans Public Defenders have fought tirelessly since then to improve the quality of representation of New Orleanians and ensure zealous advocacy is not determined by the amount of money in their pockets.

For nearly two decades, public defense in New Orleans and Louisiana has suffered from an overall lack of adequate, stable, and reliable funding. Senate Bill 8 unfortunately didn’t address that; instead it has the potential to fundamentally change what the right to counsel for Louisianans looks like by eroding the independence inherently necessary for a fair and non-partisan legal system.

At its core, public defense safeguards against government overreach, misconduct, and abuse. Our concern remains how these changes will affect autonomous representation for New Orleanians and how we will be able to advocate for and represent our community.

While legislators assure this is still a priority issue, more work remains to improve this bill and fully realize the constitutional right to representation in Louisiana. We remain committed to working with legislators, stakeholders, and our community to ensure public defense is fully funded in stable, reliable ways and all Louisianans have access to zealous and effective representation.

OPD's Danny Engelberg Named Chief Defender

: News; 04 April 2023

New Orleans – The Orleans Public Defenders is thrilled to announce the appointment of Deputy Chief Defender Danny Engelberg as the next Chief Defender for New Orleans. Engelberg was selected by the Louisiana Public Defender Board to succeed previous Chief Defender Derwyn Bunton who stepped down in September.

“I am humbled to have been chosen to lead this office of such extraordinary fighters and relentless advocates who stand up or our clients and community every single day, fighting for equity, understanding, and the rights of all New Orleanians. I am constantly inspired by their grit and compassion, and honored to fight alongside them each day.”

Statement on Mayor Cantrell's Support in Juvenile Court

: News; 25 August 2022

logo hi res The harms of the criminal legal system are well known; the ineffectiveness of a strictly punitive approach toward juvenile crime even more so. Supporting a child, as the Mayor did recently, who has proven their desire to take accountability and make personal change should not be demonized. It should be championed and replicated.

In our collective efforts for accountability, particularly for children, we must also prioritize paths for rehabilitation, growth and success. It does not diminish the harm caused by their actions, but instead, offers the opportunity to prevent further community harm. We should all rally around our community’s kids to support their growth in productive and meaningful ways. If not, we will remain on the generational hamster wheel of harm and loss. Simply put, kids can change and we should do everything to support them.

Statement on Demands by Inhabitants of OJC

: News; 25 August 2022

logo hi res August 15, 2022 - The demands recently made by the inhabitants of the Orleans Justice Center cement that we as leaders and as a community have much work to do before we can call our criminal legal system fair, just, and equitable. Much more needs to be done to make OJC constitutional, safe, and humane for the people who are detained there and held in the Sheriff's custody. Access to court, legal counsel, exercise, reading materials, and hygiene resources are the basic rights of all people who are incarcerated.

Our clients who are unable to afford their freedom, must have their safety acknowledged and prioritized, and they should be treated with basic human dignity while they remain in the care of the Sheriff. We urge the Sheriff to address their concerns and we look forward to working together to ensure the needs of all New Orleanians held at OJC are met in a safe, fair, and transparent manner.

Chief Defender Derwyn Bunton to Step Down in the Fall

: News; 21 July 2022

New Orleans – Derwyn Bunton will be stepping down as Chief District Defender for New Orleans. Bunton announced he is stepping down later this year in a meeting with OPD staff, and in conversation with Michael Ginart, Chairperson of the Louisiana Public Defender Board and Rémy Starns, State Public Defender. Bunton has served as Chief Defender for 13 years, taking over leadership in 2009, following significant statewide reforms in public defense and a complete reformation of OPD post-Katrina. Bunton leaves to become Chief Legal Officer for the Southern Poverty Law Center.

OPD's Mental Health Unit Director Barksdale Hortenstine, Jr. Named CityBusiness Leader in Law

: News; 18 July 2022

New Orleans, LA – The Orleans Public Defenders (OPD) is proud to announce the selection of Barksdale Hortenstine, Jr. as a recipient of the 2022 CityBusiness Leader in Law. Hortenstine is the Director of OPD’s Mental Health Unit, and as one of two court-appointed honorees, is among 50 of New Orleans’ top legal professionals recognized for moving the legal community forward with energy, innovative ideas, achievements and a commitment to excellence.