Montana State Legislature

Office of State Public Defender

Agency Leadership

Brett Schandelson, Director

Agency Website

https://publicdefender.mt.gov/

Agency Overview

The Office of State Public Defender provides assistance of counsel to indigent persons who by law are entitled to representation by an attorney for a variety of cases—not only those accused of crimes, but parents and children who are experiencing the child welfare system, elderly people losing autonomy over their affairs, and mentally ill people facing commitment. Public defenders have the same obligations toward the client and their case as do private attorneys.

OPD has four divisions with over 20 offices statewide dedicated to providing legal services with a focus on quality client-centered representation.

Required Reports presented to the Law and Justice Interim Committee:

• OPD Annual Plan, September 2023
• OPD Biennial Report, September 2023