Federal representation
Defense focused on the person and the case.
The office is independent from prosecutors and law-enforcement agencies. Our responsibility is to represent each client’s interests with care, preparation, and professional judgment.
Federal public defenders are appointed under the Criminal Justice Act. When the court appoints our office, a multidisciplinary team may support the representation through legal research, investigation, records review, expert services, mitigation development, technology, and administrative work.
Our work can include trial-level matters, appeals, and specialized capital habeas representation. The exact scope depends on the court appointment and the case.
This is a federal office.
We generally do not handle state criminal charges, civil cases, family-law matters, or private legal questions.
Legal advocacy
Attorneys represent clients in court, develop legal strategy, negotiate, try cases, and handle appeals.
Investigation
Investigators identify facts, interview witnesses, locate records, and help test the government’s case.
Research & support
Paralegals, research professionals, experts, and technologists help teams prepare accurate and effective work.
Capital habeas
The Capital Habeas Unit provides specialized federal habeas and clemency representation.
Northern Ohio
One district, four locations.
Our public locations are in Cleveland, Akron, Toledo, and Youngstown.