Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

Established in 2004, the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) took over from the Public Defender Commission to safeguard the constitutional right to legal representation for individuals unable to afford legal services. The VIDC manages 25 public defender offices and four capital defense offices throughout Virginia, supported by a central administrative body responsible for certifying attorneys who wish to represent clients in criminal cases. Additionally, VIDC's responsibilities include: -- Developing and enforcing mandatory Standards of Practice that outline expectations for court-appointed counsel in non-capital cases; -- Recertifying attorneys aiming for appointments in criminal matters and maintaining an updated list of certified counsel; and -- Creating training programs aimed at certification. With a commitment to enhancing the quality of training provided both to public defenders and private court-appointed lawyers, the VIDC seeks continuous improvement in legal representation offered to vulnerable Virginians who cannot choose their attorney. For more detailed information, please refer to VA Code §19.2-163.01.