The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) was statutorily established in 2004, replacing the Public Defender Commission, to protect the Constitutional right to counsel for people who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer.

The VIDC oversees 25 public defender offices and four capital defender offices across Virginia with a central administrative office that certifies attorneys seeking appointments in criminal cases.  In addition, the VIDC is responsible for the following:

--  Promulgate and enforce the mandatory Standards of Practice for Court-Appointed Counsel in Non-Capital Cases which sets out detailed expectations for attorneys seeking appointments in criminal cases;
--  Re-certify attorneys seeking appointments in criminal cases and maintain the certified counsel list; and
--  Develop certification training courses.

The VIDC strives to provide high quality training to public defender offices and the private court-appointed attorneys to continually improve criminal defense representation to vulnerable citizens of Virginia who are not able to hire an attorney of their choosing.

For more information, see VA Code § 19.2-163.01.

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Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

Maria Jankowski

Peter Boatner

Tracy Paner

Solomon Girmay

Amari Harris

Stephanie D. Asbell

Alison Powers

James Grandfield

The Public Defender Team at the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission provides legal representation for individuals who cannot afford an attorney, ensuring their Constitutional right to counsel is upheld. This team specializes in criminal defense and works collaboratively to deliver high-quality legal services, training, and support to public defender offices across Virginia. By maintaining rigorous standards of practice and offering continuous professional development, they strive to enhance the effectiveness of legal defense for vulnerable populations in the state.

Public Defender Team

Public Defender Team

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