What is a Public Defender?
A Public Defender is a lawyer provided by the Office of the Territorial Public Defender (OTPD) to represent persons charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Public Defenders are appointed by the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. The right to a Public Defender is guaranteed by the United States Constitution. All persons accused of crimes are guaranteed the right to counsel. The Public Defender Offices are manifestations of that right.
