Welcome to the Public Defender Commission

Since 1989, the Indiana Public Defender Commission has served to create standards for public defense services in Indiana Counties that choose to uphold those standards in exchange for a partial reimbursement of county expenses in non-capital cases. The Commission also provides standards and partial reimbursement to all counties in capital (death penalty) cases.

There are three separate state agencies that provide support to Indiana's county-based public defense system. The agencies and their primary duties are listed below.

News and Announcements

Salary & Hourly Rate Increase Announcement (7/1/22):

Effective January 1, 2023, the salaries for Chief Public Defenders & Chief Deputies and the hourly rates for non-capital and capital attorneys will increase. This delay in implementation of the increases is intended to allow for county-based public defense systems to factor the increases in to the annual county budgeting process. Click here for more information.

Guideline Change Announcement (12/30/21):

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission has approved changes to the guidelines that accompany Standard G (Compensation) and to Standard J (Caseloads). Click here for more information.

Remaining 2022 Reimbursement Request Due Dates and Commission Meeting Dates:

Commission meetings begin at 2 p.m. Eastern and comply with the Indiana Open Door Law (IC § 5-14-1.5). Meetings are held at the Commission Office (309 W. Washington Street, Suite 501, Indianapolis, IN, 46204) unless otherwise stated on the meeting notice and agenda. The public is invited to attend in person or via electronic means permitted under IC § 5-14-1.5-3.6 excluding any Executive Sessions that may be scheduled as permitted under IC § 5-14-1.5-6.1. To view the Commission’s Electronic Meeting Policy, click here.