DIVISIONS
Legal Services Section
The Legal Services Section provides legal representation to indigents accused of a crime at all phases of criminal proceedings, including representation at the pre-trial, trial and post-conviction stages of the adjudication process. Legal services are provided statewide in the Supreme Court, the Superior Court, the Court of Common Pleas and the Family Court. The office also provides services to the Newark Alderman's Court, the Justice of the Peace Court 20 and the Board of Pardons.
Criminal Investigations Unit
Investigators assist staff attorneys by conducting initial interviews with defendants to determine indigency based on financial resources and make a record of the client's account of events that led to his or her arrest. They also gather facts about the alleged offense(s) and incorporate these facts into written reports for reference by staff attorneys. It is also the responsibility of the investigator to conduct polygraph examinations; interview witnesses; serve subpoenas; collect, preserve and evaluate evidence; and conduct surveillance.
Psycho-Forensic Evaluation (PFE) Unit
The Psycho-Forensic Evaluators (PFEs) aid staff attorneys in their representation of clients. The unit conducts psychological assessments of defendants upon referral from Assistant Public Defenders. The PFE unit supplies written reports, including information obtained about clients from interviews and tests. These reports help attorneys in making recommendations for bail, pre-trial intervention and sentencing alternatives.
Forensic Services Unit
The Forensic Services Unit assists staff attorneys with issues involving forensic science. It is comprised of a Nurse-Attorney as the unit head, who is assisted by forensic nurses and a trial lawyer with a Masters Degree in Forensic Science and five (5) years experience as an Assistant to Delaware’s Chief Medical Examiner who is also the Director of Delaware’s Forensic Sciences Laboratory.
Administrative Services Section
The Public Defender's Administrative Services Section has executive
and administrative support staff. The executive staff establishes
and enforces the policies and goals of the agency and is responsible for daily administration,
assigning cases, supervising personnel and devising and drafting programs. The
administrative support staff prepares budgets, maintains office inventory and financial
and personnel records; processes financial and personnel transactions
and prepares federal and state reports.
Paralegals and Support Staff
Paralegals assist with case management, legal research and attorney schedule maintenance. Support staff open and assign client files to attorneys and make necessary entries in the Courts’ Justice Information Computers (JIC) and the Delaware Justice Information System (DELJIS).
Technology Section
The Technology Section is responsible for installing and maintaining
the computer and videophone systems. This section also provides programming,
computer training, and technical assistance to attorneys and support
staff.
