Office of Chief Public Defender – Hartford, CT

Connecticut Office of Chief Public Defender (OCPD)

Administrative Headquarters and Legal Services

The Office of Chief Public Defender (OCPD) is an independent judicial branch agency located at 55 Farmington Avenue in Hartford. Established in 1975, this agency is responsible for providing legal representation to indigent individuals accused of crimes in Connecticut. The 8th-floor office serves as the administrative headquarters for the statewide public defender system, overseeing policy, training, and the management of field offices. It also houses specialized units, including the Legal Services Unit, which handles appeals and habeas corpus matters, and the Capital Defense and Trial Services Unit.

Core Services

• Criminal Defense: Overseeing the representation of adults and children charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford private counsel.
• Appellate Representation: The Legal Services Unit handles direct appeals and post-conviction remedies for indigent clients.
• Juvenile Defense: Providing specialized legal counsel for children in delinquency and child welfare proceedings.
• Innocence Project: Investigating claims of wrongful conviction through the Connecticut Innocence Project/Post-Conviction Unit.

Accessing the Office

While this location is the central administrative hub, individuals seeking representation for a specific court case should typically contact the Public Defender office located within the courthouse where their case is being heard. However, the headquarters handles inquiries regarding agency policies, client complaints, and recruitment. The building at 55 Farmington Avenue is a secure facility; visitors must check in with the security guard at the lobby desk and may be subject to screening. Public parking is available in the vicinity, and the location is well-served by major bus routes along Farmington Avenue.