NCJ Number
212406
Date Published
2005
Length
139 pages
Annotation
This fiscal year 2005 annual report of Maryland's Office of the Public Defender (OPD) provides data and information on the agency's mission and operations.
Abstract
The OPD's mission is to provide superior legal representation for indigent individuals accused of crimes in Maryland, in order to ensure their legal protection under rights guaranteed by Federal and State laws. District Public Defenders, along with Assistant Public Defenders, are responsible for representing all eligible indigent defendants in the district and circuit courts within their geographical boundaries. In addition to the district offices, there are also five statewide operational divisions within the OPD. The General Administration of the OPD is responsible for policymaking, budgeting, planning, accounting, data collection, procurements, and training coordination. Administrative staff also screens, drafts, and recommends all legislative proposals for the OPD. Information is provided on the Information Technology Division, the Training Division, the Recruitment/Hiring Division, the Innocence Project, and the Juvenile Client Services Division. Separate sections of the report provide information and data on OPD operations in the 12 districts and the Children in Need of Assistance Division. Separate sections provide data and information on the Appellate Division, Collateral Review Division, Involuntary Institutionalization Services Division, and the Capital Defense Division. Appendixes provide an organizational chart and information on counties by district, districts by county, calendar year 2004 cases opened by district and division and caseload by case type for county and district, a summary of fees collection, and key goals in managing for results.