Strengthening Indigent Defense: Understanding State and Federal Resources

The following post appears courtesy of the Access to Justice Initiative. On January 22, 2013,  the Department of Justice and the National Criminal Justice Association will host a webinar focused on understanding state and federal resources. During the webinar, we will highlight some of the state and federal resources available to the public defense community, and discuss the Justice Department’s recent efforts to encourage jurisdictions to bring all system stakeholders together in the criminal justice planning process for the allocation of Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) funds. Representatives from the Department of Justice will discuss funding opportunities available through the Byrne JAG program, federal support for public defense initiatives, current opportunities for training and technical assistance, and will highlight the work of DOJ’s Access to Justice Initiative.  In addition, webinar attendees will hear from state public defenders about the process of applying for grant funds and review strategies for integrating the indigent defense function into criminal justice resource planning.   During this 50th anniversary year of Gideon v. Wainright, the landmark case that secured the right to counsel in criminal proceedings, the Justice Department is placing renewed emphasis on helping states meet their constitutional obligation to provide effective representation to indigent defendants.  The webinar will be held on January 22^nd, 2013, at 3pm. Register for the Strengthing Indigent Defense Webinar via the National Criminal Justice Association. Learn more: Department of Justice Resources for Indigent Defense Providers(PDF).