Orleans Public Defenders

Orleans Public Defenders provides client-centered legal representation to people in Orleans Parish who cannot afford private counsel. Working in New Orleans, the organisation represents nearly 20,000 people and serves the roughly 85% of those entering the criminal justice system who will need a public defender. Its attorneys defend clients in criminal, municipal, traffic, and juvenile proceedings.

The organisation's work is organised around a 360-degree defense model, which combines courtroom advocacy with a holistic approach grounded in each client's individual goals. This includes pursuing bond and incarceration alternatives, ensuring language access, and developing individualised mitigation plans. Beyond the courtroom, social workers, client advocates, investigators, law clerks and other professionals address clients' housing, employment, health, substance-use and family needs.

Orleans Public Defenders also connects clients with support services through community partnerships and works with the community to pursue criminal justice reform. Its stated mission is to protect innocence, defend the Constitution, demand justice and hold power accountable, in pursuit of healthier and stronger communities in New Orleans.