Find resources for cases not handled by SPD
We know the legal system can be overwhelming. If you are currently assigned a public defender, your local SPD office is here to help. Contact the SPD office that serves the county where your case is located.
General legal aid
While the SPD is legally limited to criminal defense, we know that civil legal issues can deeply impact your life. For matters we cannot handle, these programs and organizations may be able to help.
Immigration resources
SPD does not provide legal representation in immigration cases. Use these resources to learn more about the legal terminology and to better understand your rights.
Although the SPD does not represent on immigration cases, our Immigration Practice Group does assist our attorneys and private bar partners in analyzing the potential immigration consequences of a criminal conviction in any case where the client is not a natural born citizen. If you are a current SPD client, you can talk to your attorney about the services provided by this practice group.
Divorce resources
SPD does not provide legal representation in divorce cases. These resources and organizations can help you understand the process.
Child support resources
SPD does not provide representation on standard child support cases. These resources can assist you in pursuing changes to your child support orders.
If you are facing contempt proceedings related to your child support, you may qualify for a public defender. These pages can assist you in understanding who is eligible for a public defender and how to apply.
Housing law resources
SPD does not provide representation in housing or eviction defense cases. These resources can help you understand this area of the law.
Pardons, expungements and commutations
SPD does not assist with applications for pardons, expungements or commutations. However, we recognize that these tools are critical for reducing the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction. These resources may be able to assist you in your application.
It’s important to understand the differences between these three forms of post-conviction relief.
- Expungements are granted by a judge and seal or destroy the records of a conviction as if it never happened. There are strict requirements that determine who is eligible for expungement.
- Pardons are granted by the governor, via the Pardon Advisory Board. A pardon is an official act of forgiveness that restores rights (such as the right to vote or serve as a juror) and can make it easier to obtain some professional licenses. However, records of a criminal conviction remain visible to the public even after a pardon.
- Commutations are granted by the governor, via the Commutation Advisory Board, to shorten a prison sentence that someone is currently serving. People who have served a significant portion of their sentence, have no pending cases, and meet additional criteria set by the governor can apply on the board’s webpage.