The mission of the Indiana Federal Community Defender’s Office is to provide high-quality, client-centered representation to indigent defendants. We believe that every case is different and every client is unique. When the government charges you or your loved one with a federal crime, there can be no one-size-fits-all solution. Facts must be meticulously investigated. The law must be exhaustively researched. We are committed to treating each client with dignity and respect and are guided by the principle that vigorous defense and zealous advocacy are necessary to safeguard the cherished rights guaranteed to every citizen under the United States Constitution. Our goal is to reach the best possible result and to ensure that no client feels disadvantaged or compromised due to the inability to retain private counsel.
We accomplish these goals by utilizing a team-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to advocacy. Our office is staffed with trial attorneys, appellate attorneys, social workers, investigators, and paralegals. We frequently bring in outside experts when they are required by the facts of a case. Our clients are important team members as well. Clients are expected to fully engage in the process to achieve the best results. It’s your life and we are here to help. That is client-centered advocacy, when it matters most.
Our office also houses a first-of-its-kind Capital §2255 Unit. That unit focuses on representing persons who have been convicted and sentenced to death in federal courts throughout the country. We come on board if the client’s direct appeal and death sentence are affirmed by the appellate court. Our goals for our capital unit are the same: provide high-quality, client-centered representation. We utilize our same team-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to these difficult and stress-filled cases.