Feature Article
About Virginia Indigent Defense

Structure Indigent defense services are provided by a combination of public defender offices and assigned counsel programs. Since 2004, the system has been overseen by the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission.

Funding The Virginia indigent defense system is grossly under-funded. The funding that is provided is from the Commonwealth, although certain counties and municipalities have provided supplemental funds in their areas.

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News of Interest
Bills Lift Fee Caps for Defense Attorneys


Bills Lift Fee Caps for Defense Attorneys

"Credit goes to the legislature, the attorney general, the governor -- everybody pulled together," said Richmond attorney Steven Benjamin, a board member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers who has advocated for reform since the late 1990s.

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Virginia Indigent Defense Failing


A Comprehensive Review of Indigent Defense In Virginia

This 2004 report prepared by the Spangenberg Group concludes that the state is failing miserably in providing constitutionally-adequate representation to indigents in criminal cases.

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National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
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