Federal Public Defenders
The Federal Public Defender Office for the U.S. District of Massachusetts opened in Boston in 1980. Our branch office for the U.S. District of New Hampshire opened in Concord in 1995. Our branch office for the U.S. District of Rhode Island opened in Providence in 2003.
We represent individuals who cannot afford to hire an attorney in federal criminal cases and related matters. We also provide training and education to attorneys who are on the Criminal Justice Act panels in our districts. We are assigned to cases by the U.S. District Courts and by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Requests for counsel should be made directly to the appropriate court.
Our website intends to provide information regarding federal criminal practice to members of the Criminal Justice Act panels, other criminal defense attorneys practicing in federal court, and interested members of the public. Some portions of the website are accessible only to criminal defense attorneys, who can register for an account on the For CJA page.
Our mission is to provide exceptional legal representation to the clients we serve, and we fulfill that mission through a collaborative effort. Our experienced attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff share a passion and commitment to the goal of equal justice. We work together with courage, pride, and integrity to fiercely defend each person we represent. As a collective body, we believe in a client-centered approach and we treat every individual with respect and compassion.
Beyond our direct representation of clients, we serve as a resource to the wider criminal defense bar with the purpose of fostering effective and zealous representation for all.
We believe that diversity makes us better advocates. Diversity is an asset, critical to our objectives of maintaining institutional excellence and ensuring our clients receive a fair process. Accordingly, we energetically seek voices that are representative of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These diverse voices allow us to skillfully handle complex legal and social justice issues that arise in criminal defense, including, among others, those encompassing race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation and identity, economic status, physical health conditions, physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorders, and mental health. Our goal is to provide representation to our clients that is at all times zealous and robust.
Our work in the area of diversity and inclusion is ongoing. We are steadfast in our dedication to evaluating our existing systems and implementing change that supports and advances our mission. With that in mind, our office maintains a strong commitment to policies and dialogue that foster an inclusive and collaborative environment. We aim to hire, train, retain, and promote individuals in a manner that advances a culture of diversity. Members of our organization are welcome to stand proudly in their identities, and we pledge to build and maintain a community of mutual respect, equity, and empowerment.
Contact Us
51 Sleeper Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02210
Phone: (617) 223-8061
Fax: (617) 334-7991
1 Federal Street, Building 101, Suite 3W
Springfield, MA 01105
Phone: (617) 699-3926
Fax: (617) 334-7991
22 Bridge Street
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 226-7360
Fax: (603) 665-0053
10 Weybosset Street, 3rd Floor
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 528-4281
Fax: (401) 867-2814