The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia

The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia provides quality legal representation to indigent adults & children facing a loss of liberty.

It is the mission of the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) to provide and promote quality legal representation to indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty in the District of Columbia, thereby protecting society's interest in the fair administration of justice.

PDS offices will close at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, and remain closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of...
05/21/2026

PDS offices will close at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, and remain closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.

The D.C. Courts will operate on a holiday schedule on May 25. The courts will be closed except for the Adult Arraignment Court (C-10), the Juvenile New Referral Court (JM-15), and scheduled preventive detention hearing courtrooms.

As always, we are deeply grateful to the PDS staff who will be available to handle these matters and ensure continued representation for our clients during the holiday.

This Memorial Day, we also extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the PDS staff and alumni who have served our country. We honor and remember those whose service and sacrifice made that service possible.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday weekend.

05/19/2026

THANK YOU to our incredible community, partners, volunteers, and PDS staff for helping make this year’s Second Chance, Second Hand event such a meaningful success on Saturday, April 25!

The event provided free legal consultations on record sealing and other legal matters, while also connecting community members with resources, support, and opportunities for a fresh start.

A very special shout-out goes to the staff of PDS’s Juvenile Services Program (JSP), whose vision, creativity, and leadership brought this event to life. From the initial concept and planning to the logistics, on-site management, and coordination, JSP led this effort with extraordinary care and commitment to the people we serve every day.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and heart to making this event possible. ❤️

✨Happy National Receptionist Day! ✨ Today, we celebrate our incredible receptionists who are the first point of contact ...
05/13/2026

✨Happy National Receptionist Day! ✨ Today, we celebrate our incredible receptionists who are the first point of contact for our clients and the backbone of our organization. Your dedication, professionalism, and warm smiles make a world of difference in ensuring everyone feels welcomed and supported. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to PDS and its clients!

Today and always, we join public defender offices across the country in recognizing the importance of adequately support...
04/23/2026

Today and always, we join public defender offices across the country in recognizing the importance of adequately supporting the constitutional right to counsel.

Every day, public defenders work to uphold this fundamental right for individuals, families, and communities. Meaningful representation requires the time, staffing, and support necessary to do this work well.

Today, we stand with colleagues nationwide in highlighting the need to ensure public defense systems are given the resources they need to carry out their constitutional mandate.

Join us in the community this Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Big Chair for PDS’s 4th Annual Second ...
04/22/2026

Join us in the community this Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Big Chair for PDS’s 4th Annual Second Chance, Second Hand event!! An event dedicated to support, second chances, and new beginnings. Come by to receive FREE legal consultations!

Initial legal consultations on:
• Juvenile and criminal record sealing
• Housing
• Special Education
• Family Law
• Other civil legal issues

Also offering a free lunch and a mutual aid market!

Event Details
🗓️Date: April 25, 2026*
🕒Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍Location: The Big Chair – 2101 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE, DC
*Event may be delayed by 1-2 hours in the case of inclement weather.

Rebuilding, reconnecting, and rising together. See you there!

04/22/2026

Join us in the community this Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Big Chair for PDS’s 4th Annual Second Chance, Second Hand event!! An event dedicated to support, second chances, and new beginnings. Come by to receive FREE legal consultations!

Initial legal consultations on:
• Juvenile and criminal record sealing
• Housing
• Special Education
• Family Law
• Other civil legal issues

Also offering a free lunch and a mutual aid market!

Event Details
🗓️Date: April 25, 2026*
🕒Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍Location: The Big Chair – 2101 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE, DC
*Event may be delayed by 1-2 hours in the case of inclement weather.

Rebuilding, reconnecting, and rising together. See you there!

04/20/2026

We can’t wait to see you on April 25, 2026 from 11am to 2pm at the Big Chair for the 4th Annual Second Chance, Second Hand event hosted by PDS. In the spirit of second chances—because everyone deserves one—we will bring together our community and provide FREE legal services.

🗓️Date: April 25, 2026*
🕒Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍Location: The Big Chair – 2101 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE, DC
*Event may be delayed by 1-2 hours in the case of inclement weather.

Thank you to our Community Defender Division and community partners!

📣 JOIN US! We can’t wait to see you on April 25, 2026 from 11am to 2pm at the Big Chair for the 4th Annual Second Chance...
04/20/2026

📣 JOIN US! We can’t wait to see you on April 25, 2026 from 11am to 2pm at the Big Chair for the 4th Annual Second Chance, Second Hand event hosted by PDS. In the spirit of second chances—because everyone deserves one—we will bring together our community and provide FREE legal services.

🗓️Date: April 25, 2026*
🕒Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍Location: The Big Chair – 2101 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE, DC
*Event may be delayed by 1-2 hours in the case of inclement weather.

Thank you to our Community Defender Division and community partners!

PDS offices will be closed on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in honor of D.C. Emancipation Day—a day that recognizes the abol...
04/15/2026

PDS offices will be closed on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in honor of D.C. Emancipation Day—a day that recognizes the abolition of slavery in our city and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

While the D.C. Superior Court and D.C. Court of Appeals will also be closed, Adult Arraignment Court (C-10), Juvenile New Referral Court (JM-15), and scheduled preventive detention hearings will remain in session. Federal matters, including parole hearings, will proceed as scheduled.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the PDS staff who will continue showing up for our clients that day—your dedication does not go unnoticed.

Address

633 3rd Street, NW
Washington D.C., DC
20001

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+12026281200

Website

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