Rhode Island Public Defender’s Licht Judicial Complex

The Rhode Island Public Defender (RIPD) is a firm of lawyers and has a branch office located in the Licht Judicial Complex. Supported by seven Public Defenders, five Assistant Public Defenders, professional social workers, legal secretaries, investigators and interpreters, they defend adults and juveniles accused of committing crimes, and represent parents who are threatened with loss of custody of their children because of neglect or abuse allegations. The RIPD is funded by the government to serve individuals who cannot afford to retain private counsel and represent clients in state court proceedings from the first appearance before a judge through trial or hearing, and through appeal if necessary. The Public Defender's office can only represent people charged with crimes or facing a loss of custody of a child to the State. They do not represent people on such matters as divorces, car accidents, evictions, wills and consumer complaints. The mission of RIPD is to provide client-centered advice, holistic representation and zealous advocacy with support from their team and commitment to treating their clients with dignity, compassion and fairness. If the court has assigned a public defender to your case in Providence county, please contact the RIPD's Licht Judicial Complex Office.