The MPDA provides services to our members by offering continuing legal education programs, legislative updates, networking and brainstorming opportunities for trial preparation, model jury instructions, appellate brief guides, and the support of a group of attorneys committed to seeking justice through the protection of the constitutional rights of all persons charged with a crime in the state courts of Mississippi.

If you are a public defender, on staff of a public defender or a criminal defense lawyer who regularly accepts representation of indigent clients in Mississippi (who is not also a part-time prosecutor) and would like to join and receive the benefits of membership in the MPDA or if already a member and would like your contact or other information updated, please contact Ray Carter, MPDA President at 601-576-2320 or rc2320@bellsouth.net.

For the latest information on MPDA continuing legal education confernces, criminal defense training seminars, trial advocacy institutes, and stipend scholarships for national programs available to our membership, check the Office of Indigent Appeals website: http://www.oia.ms.gov

The goal of the Mississippi Public Defenders Association is to support our members in their endeavor to skillfully represent indigent persons charged with a crime in the courts of the state of Mississippi. MPDA members receive continuing legal education and training in the field of criminal defense, along with bringing together a network of other experienced public defenders to consult on difficult cases, which is especially valuable in rural areas. Although public defenders and other court-appointed criminal defense lawyers receive little or no support from the public, respect from their peers, and are often the lowest-paid professionals in the judicial system, we remain dedicated to the American ideal of "justice for all."

This website does not provide legal advice, interpretation of news updates, dialogue of any type with individuals, referrals for representation to the public, nor do we invite or allow postings on this website that might libel or defame others.

Over forty years ago, the United States Supreme Court ruled that a person charged with a crime who is finacially unable to hire defense counsel was constitutionally entitled to have an attorney appointed to represent their interest in court by stating:

"From the very beginning, our state and national constitutions and laws have laid great emphasis on procedural and substantive safeguards designed to assure fair trials before impartial tribunals in which every defendant stands equal before the law. This noble ideal cannot be realized if the poor man charged with crime has to face his accusers without a lawyer to assist him...."
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963).

Although the promise has yet to be completely fulfilled in Mississippi, we are dedicated to its realization through our work.