About the Department of Public Advocacy
Our Mission
The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy exists to protect the rights guaranteed by the United States and Kentucky Constitutions by providing quality legal representation to those who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Every person accused of a crime deserves a defense, and DPA fulfills that constitutional mandate across all 120 Kentucky counties.
As a statewide public defender system, DPA handles tens of thousands of cases each year, ranging from misdemeanors in district court to capital murder cases in circuit court and beyond. The agency also serves as Kentucky's protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities.
History
Established in 1972 by the Kentucky General Assembly, the Department of Public Advocacy was created in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), which guaranteed the right to counsel for defendants who cannot afford an attorney. Over five decades, DPA has grown from a small central office into a statewide system with regional offices, specialized divisions, and hundreds of attorneys and support staff dedicated to indigent defense.
Our Divisions
Trial Division
Provides direct representation to indigent defendants in district and circuit courts across all 120 counties. Trial attorneys handle felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile cases from arraignment through sentencing.
Appellate Division
Represents clients in the Kentucky Court of Appeals and the Kentucky Supreme Court. Appellate attorneys review trial records, identify errors, and present written and oral arguments to appellate courts.
Post-Conviction Division
Handles post-conviction matters including RCr 11.42 motions, habeas corpus petitions, and other collateral challenges. This division also assists clients with parole proceedings and sentence reduction requests.
Protection & Advocacy Division
Serves as Kentucky's federally mandated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities. The division investigates abuse and neglect, advocates for systemic change, and provides legal services to individuals with disabilities.
Leadership
DPA is led by the Public Advocate, who is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Kentucky Senate. The Public Advocate oversees all agency operations, sets statewide defense policy, and manages relationships with courts, the legislature, and partner agencies. Division directors lead each specialized area, and regional managers coordinate trial representation across the state's judicial districts.