Our membership is restricted by statute to "...all public defenders, contractual pauper counsel and other court appointed attorneys regularly appointed to represent indigent defendants." If you meet the definition, you are automatically a member of the Council. To be added to our membership list complete this form and mail/fax it to the Council. To request a password to our site, use this form. If you have any questions, please contact Teresa Campbell at the Council.
Services Provided to our Members
Training
IPDC offers approximately 6 seminars per year to criminal defense attorneys and other criminal defense professionals. The training info link above will take you to our current seminar schedule.
Publications
IPDC offers a variety of publications including a monthly newsletter (The Indiana Defender), manuals and handbooks in hard copy and electronic format. For a detailed list and description click on the publications link above.
Non-Capital Research/Consultation
The Council provides research assistance and consultation in non-capital cases to our members for their indigent defense cases. This assistance includes legal research, referrals to expert witnesses, brainstorming, and consultation regarding strategy and tactics.
Capital Research/Consultation
In addition to its Death Penalty Defense Manual and its annual Death Penalty Defense Seminar, the Council provides regular reports, in the Capital Corner section of the Indiana Defender, regarding developments affecting capital litigation at the trial and appellate levels. The Council also provides consultation, research, and technical assistance in death penalty cases, including sample pleadings, networking with other attorneys with experience in similar cases as well as regarding change of judge or county, referral to expert witnesses, and referral to mitigation investigators.
Liaison
- The Council maintains liaison contact with study commissions, bar associations, organizations, and agencies of local, state, and federal government regarding indigent defense services.
- The Council tracks all criminal justice legislation during sessions of the Indiana General Assembly and may be contacted for information on specific bills.
- The Council also serves as a clearinghouse for information about indigent defense delivery systems, and assists courts, bar associations, and members in developing more effective and efficient defender delivery systems.
See the Indiana Public Defender Commission web site for information on standards for indigent defense services and reimbursement guidelines.
Technical Assistance
Advice and technical assistance in applying computers to automate public defender offices, and installing local area networks.
