State Representative Vernon G. Smith

State Representative Greg Steuerwald

The Indiana Supreme Court announced the appointment of two new members to the Public Defender Commission.  State Representative Vernon G. Smith and State Representative Greg Steuerwald have joined the 11 member Commission.  Both Smith and Steuerwald were appointed by Indiana House Speaker Patrick Bauer.

Representative Smith, of Gary, replaces former Representative Phil Hoy.  Smith represents House District 14.  He also serves on the House Education Committee and the Courts and Criminal Code Committee.  “I am pleased that the Speaker appointed me to serve.  The work of the Commission is most important given the number of citizens who often cannot afford to pay for legal defense.  I look forward to serving on the Commission.

Representative Steuerwald, of Avon, replaces former Representative Amos Thomas.  Steuerwald represents District 40.  He also serves on the Government and Regulatory Committee and the Courts and Criminal Code Committee.  Representative Steuerwald is honored to join the Commission, “Public defenders play important roles in our criminal justice system, and the Public Defender Commission is one of the ways to ensure indigent criminal defendants receive high-quality courtroom counsel.”

The Indiana Public Defender Commission recommends standards to ensure high quality indigent defense is provided statewide.  Counties that adhere to those standards are eligible for reimbursement from the Public Defense Fund for capital and non-capital indigent defense expenditures.  The state legislature appropriated $15.25 million for the Public Defense Fund for the current fiscal year.  The Division of State Court Administration provides administrative support and services for the Public Defender Commission.

The Commission is comprised of 11 members: 3 are appointed by the Governor; 3 are appointed by the Chief Justice; 1 member is appointed by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute; 2 are members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House; and 2 are members of the Senate appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate.  More information on the Commission can be found by going to http://www.in.gov/judiciary/pdc/.