Office of the Ohio Public Defender

Law PracticeOhio, United States51-200 Employees

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is a state agency in the law practice sector that provides legal representation and related services to individuals who cannot afford an attorney. Established in 1976 under Chapter 120 of the Ohio Revised Code, OPD operates under the oversight of the Ohio Public Defender Commission and is organized into Administrative, Appellate Services, Policy & Outreach, and Trial Services divisions. Its work includes appellate and post-conviction representation in death penalty, criminal, and juvenile cases, trial services in jurisdictions that contract with OPD, and participation in parole revocation hearings for Ohio’s prison population, as well as offering technical, research, educational, investigation, and mitigation support to local public defenders and court-appointed counsel. The agency also reimburses counties for portions of indigent defense costs and enforces standards set by the OPD Commission. OPD’s mission centers on improving Ohio’s indigent defense system by collaborating with local legal providers, courts, and government partners to pursue lawful reforms and ensure that justice is not influenced by an individual's ability to pay. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the organization serves as a statewide resource within the public defense landscape. Recent activity highlights its involvement in broader state initiatives and collaborations across various sectors.

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