Wisconsin

The state of Wisconsin funds and administers almost all indigent defense services for adult criminal cases in its trial courts. Local governments are responsible for a small portion of cases. A state commission provides oversight of state-administered services only.

The state of Wisconsin funds and administers almost all indigent defense services for adult criminal cases in its appellate courts. Local governments are responsible for a small portion of cases. A state commission provides oversight of state-administered services only.

  • 72 Counties Primarily State Funded

  • 72 Counties Primarily State Administered

  • 72 Counties with a Commission With Limited Authority

  • 72 Counties Primarily State Funded

  • 72 Counties Primarily State Administered

  • 72 Counties with a Commission With Limited Authority

The state-funded Office of the Wisconsin State Public Defender (SPD) administers almost all indigent defense services in adult criminal trials. SPD delivers services primarily through public defender offices but also through contracts with private attorneys (on an hourly basis for conflict and overflow cases, and on a flat fee basis for some misdemeanors). SPD also provides appellate services. In Wisconsin, it is possible that a person qualifies for public counsel but does not meet the higher statutory threshold for SPD representation. In such a case, the local judge appoints a private attorney at county expense.

The Wisconsin Public Defender Board oversees SPD. The governor appoints nine members to this oversight commission, who in turn appoints the head of SPD. The commission is also responsible for promulgating standards. The commission does not have oversight of private attorneys appointed by local judges at county expense.

The state-funded Office of the Wisconsin State Public Defender (SPD) administers almost all indigent defense services in adult appeals. SPD’s appellate division provides representation on appeal to every defendant who meets SPD’s financial eligibility criteria. The appellate division relies on staff attorneys primarily and on private attorneys under contract for conflict and overflow cases. In Wisconsin, it is possible that a person qualifies for public counsel but does not meet the higher statutory threshold for SPD representation. In such a case, the local judge appoints a private attorney at county expense.

The Wisconsin Public Defender Board oversees SPD. The governor appoints nine members to this oversight commission, who in turn appoints the head of SPD. The commission is also responsible for promulgating standards. The commission does not have oversight of private attorneys appointed by local judges at county expense.

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Questions Open/Close

How are members of the Wisconsin Public Defender Board selected?

In which branch of state government does the indigent defense system reside?